A legislative push to implement the United States’ first statewide data center moratorium collapsed this week after Maine lawmakers failed to override Governor Janet Mills’ veto of the measure.

The proposed ban would have temporarily prohibited large-scale data centers—those exceeding 20 megawatts in capacity—from operating until November 2027.

The Maine House of Representatives did not secure the two-thirds majority required to override the governor’s veto, ending the bill’s journey through the legislature.

Despite this setback, supporters of the moratorium stressed that the discussion around data center development in Maine remains ongoing. “I want to close today with a warning to the friendly corporate lobbying crew in the hallways and in the balcony who have maneuvered us into this position today: This is not over,” said Rep. Daniel Ankeles (D-Brunswick).

The legislation also sought to establish the Maine Data Center Coordination Council, which would evaluate policy tools for regulating such facilities. However, Governor Mills signed an executive order Wednesday creating a similar advisory body.

The 15-member council will provide recommendations on large-scale data center development in the state and direct the Department of Energy Resources to identify and implement measures that protect ratepayers from energy costs associated with these facilities.

Outside legislative chambers, supporters lined the State House hallways urging lawmakers to override the veto. “No one could have listened to that debate and not voted to override,” said Topsham resident Neal Gabler, referencing the robust discussion in the House chamber.

Gabler added: “Well, we know what the hurry is. There’s money to be made here, and it’s not going to be made by the people in Jay.” He was referring to a proposed data center project at the former Androscoggin Mill in Jay—a site that Governor Mills had indicated should be exempt from the temporary ban.

Governor Mills vetoed LD 307—the bill that would have established the council and imposed a moratorium on projects—because it did not include an exemption for the Androscoggin Mill project. A 2020 boiler explosion at the mill, followed by its closure after Pixelle Specialty Solutions departed in 2023, eliminated hundreds of well-paying jobs and dealt a significant blow to the local economy. At the time of closure, the mill accounted for an estimated 22 percent of the Town of Jay’s tax base.

In recent weeks, the Town of Jay, Franklin County Commissioners, and the regional Chamber of Commerce have written to Governor Mills in support of the project.