Maine State House fails to override governor’s veto on data center moratorium

Maine lawmakers failed to override Governor Janet Mills' veto on a bill that would have imposed a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development. The 72-65 vote in the House chamber fell short of the two-thirds majority needed, allowing the governor's veto to stand after over an hour of debate. Supporters of the moratorium, including Democratic Representatives Dan Ankeles of Brunswick and Amy Roeder of Bangor, argued for more time to assess environmental and infrastructure impacts, such as significant electricity and water demands, and to allow municipalities to establish local controls. Concerns were also raised about potential strain on the electric grid and rising energy costs for residents. Conversely, opponents like Republican Representative Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor highlighted the economic benefits data centers could bring to rural areas, citing potential tax revenue and job creation, particularly in communities recovering from mill closures. A key point of contention was a proposed project at the former Androscoggin paper mill site in Jay, which Governor Mills' veto partly aimed to protect due to the bill's lack of an exemption. Local leaders in Jay, including House candidate Trevor Doiron, expressed relief at the veto's standing, seeing it as an opportunity for their community. In a related move, Governor Mills simultaneously signed an executive order establishing a Maine Data Center Advisory Council. This council is tasked with developing recommendations for managing data center projects to protect ratepayers and minimize environmental impacts. Additionally, the order directed the Department of Energy Resources to identify methods to safeguard ratepayers from increased energy costs attributable to data centers.