United States — Ekhbary News Agency
Maine Governor Janet Mills has vetoed a legislative proposal that sought to impose the country's first statewide moratorium on new data center permits. The bill, identified as L.D. 307, aimed to halt new data center construction until November 1, 2027, and establish a 13-person council to study and make recommendations on data center construction. This decision comes amidst rising public opposition to data centers, with other states like New York also considering similar pauses.
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In a letter addressed to the state legislature, Governor Mills, a Democrat, acknowledged the potential benefits of pausing new data centers, noting their impacts on the environment and electricity rates in other states. However, she stated her refusal to sign the bill was due to its lack of an exemption for a specific data center project in the Town of Jay. Mills emphasized that this particular project enjoys robust local support from its community and region, suggesting a desire to balance statewide concerns with local economic interests.
Legislative Opposition and Future Implications
Melanie Sachs, a Democratic state representative and the bill's sponsor, expressed strong disapproval of the governor's veto. Sachs warned that Mills' decision carries "significant potential consequences for all ratepayers, our electric grid, our environment, and our shared energy future." Her remarks highlight ongoing debates within the state regarding energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and the economic development associated with large-scale data infrastructure.
