Story perspectives

Maine Gov. Vetoes Data-Center Pause, Bars Incentives, Forms Council

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Janet Mills vetoed LD 307, the bill to pause large-scale data-center construction in Maine, on April 24, 2026.
She vetoed because the bill omitted an exemption for the $550 million Jay data-center, which would generate over 800 construction jobs and at least 100 high-paying positions.
Mills signed LD 713, which bars data-center projects from Maine’s tax-incentive programs.
She issued an executive order creating a Data Center Coordination Council to study environmental and grid impacts.

History

Historical Context

Texas’ Chapter 313 tax-abatement program, created by the legislature in 2001 and renewed through 2022, lets large projects limit school-district property values by $10 million-$100 million for ten years, a model that spurred extensive data-center growth and drew criticism in the 2021-22 debate over extensions. Maine’s 2026 veto by Gov. Janet Mills echoes that Texas precedent as the state weighs similar incentives.

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Story summary

Governor Janet Mills vetoed LD 307, the bill to pause large-scale data-center construction in Maine, on April 24, 2026.
She vetoed because the bill omitted an exemption for the $550 million Jay data-center, which would generate over 800 construction jobs and at least 100 high-paying positions.
Mills signed LD 713, which bars data-center projects from Maine’s tax-incentive programs.
She issued an executive order creating a Data Center Coordination Council to study environmental and grid impacts.

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