Maine governor vetoes bill that bans large new data centers — says legislature should’ve exempted one particular well-supported data center

Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have banned new data center projects exceeding 20MW until 2027, citing concerns about their environmental impact and electricity rates. She supported the moratorium but wanted an exemption for a data center in Jay due to its positive local impact. Despite the veto, the legislature may override it, potentially affecting Mills' political standing. She plans to create a council to study data center impacts and signed a bill preventing them from accessing tax incentives. Residents' opposition to data centers due to increased costs and power quality issues is growing.