Janet Mills successfully vetoes bills on data centers and sealing criminal records

Maine Governor Janet Mills successfully vetoed LD 307, a high-profile bill that sought to impose an 18-month moratorium on new data centers consuming more than 20 megawatts of power, which would have made Maine the first state with such a ban. The bill had drawn national attention amid growing concerns over data centers' impact on electricity rates and the environment, particularly with the rise of generative AI. Governor Mills acknowledged the need for a development pause but vetoed the measure because it would have blocked a specific $550 million redevelopment project at a former paper mill in Jay, led by developer Tony McDonald. McDonald's project was touted to provide over 100 permanent jobs without the typical negative effects on water or electric prices. Despite arguments from bill sponsor Melanie Sachs (D-Freeport) and House Democrats that the veto left Mainers vulnerable to unchecked data center development, a majority of House Republicans voted to sustain Mills' veto. Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham dismissed concerns as "fearmongering" and highlighted potential economic benefits. Immediately after her veto was sustained, Governor Mills issued an executive order establishing the Maine Data Center Advisory Council. This 15-member group is tasked with examining the issues surrounding data center development in Maine and providing recommendations to lawmakers by early 2027, aiming to balance environmental protection, ratepayer concerns, and responsible economic development.