Maine's governor, Janet Mills, has vetoed a legislative measure aimed at halting the construction of large data centers in the state until fall 2027. The bill, which received approval from both houses of the legislature on April 14, specifically targeted facilities consuming 20 megawatts of power or more, mandating that state agencies refrain from issuing permits for such projects.
Although Mills expressed support for a temporary moratorium, she sought an exemption for an existing data center project in Jay, Maine. Following the veto, she indicated her intention to sign an executive order to form a similar council as proposed in the legislation, aimed at evaluating data center opportunities and their implications for the state.
This decision reflects a broader trend, as at least 12 other states are considering similar legislation to restrict data center developments. Notably, in New York, lawmakers have introduced a bill to impose a three-year ban on new data centers. Additionally, there is federal interest in such moratoriums, with prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supporting legislation to freeze both new constructions and upgrades of existing facilities.