Maine data center council powers up for first meeting
The newly formed Maine Data Center Advisory Council is holding its first meeting to develop recommendations for large-scale data center projects, focusing on energy demand, environmental impact, and economic development. This initiative follows Gov. Janet Mills' veto of a statewide moratorium, which has prompted several municipalities, including Sanford, Westbrook, and Brunswick, to consider or enact their own local development pauses. The council's report, offering policy guidance, is due to the governor and Legislature by January 2027.
The Maine Data Center Advisory Council, established by an executive order from Governor Janet Mills, is set to hold its inaugural meeting on June 3. This 17-member body is tasked with developing comprehensive recommendations concerning large-scale data center projects across Maine. Its mandate includes safeguarding ratepayers, ensuring electric grid reliability, mitigating environmental impacts, and fostering responsible economic growth.
Co-chaired by Celina Cunningham, acting commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources, and Melanie Loyzim, commissioner of the Maine DEP, the council comprises representatives from various sectors including state agencies, utilities, tribal nations, municipal government, and environmental groups. The council will scrutinize existing environmental regulations for data center development and explore opportunities for strengthening them, with public input encouraged.
The formation of this council follows Governor Mills' veto of a statewide data center moratorium, which subsequently prompted several municipalities to pursue local bans. The Sanford City Council recently enacted a 91-day pause on data center development, while officials in Westbrook and Brunswick are also deliberating similar moratoriums. The council's final report, containing its policy recommendations, is scheduled to be submitted by January 29, 2027, to Maine's next governor and the Legislature in Augusta. All council meetings will be open to the public.