Maine Legislature passes first in the nation ban on data centers

MAINE PUBLIC • April 13, 2026

Maine is poised to become the first state in the nation to temporarily ban the development of large data centers. But Gov. Janet Mills has said the measure needs to have an exemption for a proposed $550 million project at the former Androscoggin paper mill in Jay to get her support. The developments have increasingly met backlash from communities concerned about their huge appetite for electricity, water and their environmental impact.