Maine’s governor has vetoed a bill that would have made the state the first in the U.S. to impose a statewide moratorium on new data centers. L.D. 307 sought to halt construction and development until November 1, 2027. Governor Janet Mills returned the bill unsigned with a veto message on Thursday, effectively killing the proposal.
The legislation aimed to address concerns over energy consumption and local infrastructure strain posed by data centers. Supporters argued the moratorium would give the state time to study the environmental and economic impacts before allowing new facilities. Opponents, including business groups and tech advocates, warned it would deter investment and harm Maine’s growing digital economy.
Mills cited the need for balanced growth in her veto statement. She acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that data centers also bring jobs and tax revenue. The governor pointed to existing regulations and ongoing studies as sufficient measures for now.
The veto comes as Maine courts tech companies to expand its digital sector. Earlier this year, the state approved tax incentives for a major data center project in Bangor. Lawmakers now face pressure to override the veto when they return in June.
The decision leaves Maine without the nation’s first statewide data center ban but sets the stage for further debate over tech industry expansion.
Source: techcrunch.com