‘It’ll be a concern’: Gov. Mills reacts to Legislature passing of data centers bill without Jay exemption

FAIRFIELD, Maine (WABI) - A first-in-the-nation bill that would impose a temporary moratorium on data centers has passed the Maine Legislature and is now on the governor’s desk.

Under the proposal, the Department of Energy Resources would create a council to ensure Maine is prepared for data centers.

Gov. Mills has talked about an exemption for the Jay paper mill, an exemption not included in the bill that passed.

Thursday, she was asked whether she would veto the bill and about the Jay exemption being left out.

“The bill arrived on my desk the other night. I’m going to read it and give it every due consideration,” answered Mills. “I heard that, yea, it’ll be a concern.“

Mills has pointed to the reuse of existing industrial infrastructure in Jay, saying the project could bring jobs, economic activity, and tax revenue.