Maine Gov. Janet Mills is undecided on whether to sign a pause on data centers

Maine Governor Janet Mills is deliberating whether to sign a groundbreaking bill passed by the state Legislature that would implement a statewide moratorium on new data center construction until the fall of 2027. The Democratic governor stated on Friday from Westbrook, Maine, that the bill is on her desk and she plans to review it carefully before making a decision. Her choice is being closely watched, as the legislation is considered the first of its kind nationally. Governor Mills highlighted her concerns regarding the bill, particularly its failure to include a 'carveout' for a proposed data center project in Jay, Maine. Jay is an economically distressed town that has recently lost two paper mills and a significant number of jobs. Mills emphasized the community's need for new employment opportunities, citing the devastation caused by the mill closures, and expressed her desire for a provision that would allow the Jay project to proceed. Beyond the specific project in Jay, Mills also voiced broader environmental worries about data centers, noting their substantial consumption of electricity and water. She specifically referenced the Jay project's proximity to the Androscoggin River and the historical water usage of the former paper mill, indicating she is evaluating the viability and comparative impact of data centers on natural resources. The governor has ten days to either sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature. She acknowledged that requesting a legislative rewrite would be challenging at this stage, as lawmakers typically only return for a single 'veto day' session.