Maine Governor Expresses Concern Over Data Center Moratorium Bill's Missing Jay Exemption

Maine's Legislature passed a bill imposing a temporary moratorium on data centers, now on Governor Mills' desk. Governor Mills has indicated concern regarding the bill's lack of an exemption for the Jay paper mill site.

The Maine Legislature has passed a bill establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers, making it the first state to implement such a measure. This legislation now awaits Governor Janet Mills’ decision. The proposal aims to create a council within the Department of Energy Resources to prepare Maine for data center development.

Governor Mills has confirmed receipt of the bill and stated she will review it thoroughly. She explicitly noted that the absence of a specific exemption for the Jay paper mill site "will be a concern." The Governor previously highlighted that repurposing the Jay paper mill's existing infrastructure for a data center could generate jobs, stimulate economic activity, and produce tax revenue for the state.

The governor's stated concern indicates potential scrutiny for the legislation. Her decision will determine the future of this moratorium and the specific development opportunities at the Jay site. All eyes are on Governor Mills’ desk as she weighs the bill's statewide implications against specific local economic development goals.