Maine Governor Vetoes Statewide Data Center Moratorium Amid Growing Backlash

Since early 2024, more than 1,200 public actions—including zoning fights, campaigns and moratoria—have been recorded against new data centers across the United States. In Maine, lawmakers passed a bill in spring 2026 that would have imposed the nation’s first statewide moratorium on data‑center construction. Governor Janet Mills vetoed the measure, arguing it would jeopardise a $550 million conversion of the former Androscoggin Mill in Jay into a data centre. While rejecting the moratorium, Mills signed legislation banning state tax incentives for data centers and pledged to establish a council to study the industry statewide.

A letter to the editor highlighted additional concerns, noting that rapid advances in chip efficiency could render large data centres obsolete within 10‑15 years, and warning that crypto‑related demand may be unstable. The writer cautioned that abandoned facilities could become costly cleanup liabilities for local governments if the industry contracts.

The Maine dispute exemplifies a broader national debate over whether data‑center projects boost local economies or impose environmental and fiscal burdens, prompting up to ten other states to consider similar containment measures.