Story perspectives

Mills Vetoes Moratorium, Bans Tax Breaks, Orders Council

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Janet Mills announced an executive order to create a council studying data-center impacts after vetoing LD 307 on April 24 2026.
She vetoed the moratorium because it omitted an exemption for the $550 million Androscoggin Mill site project in Jay, projected to create over 800 construction jobs and at least 100 permanent jobs.
Mills also signed LD 713, which bars data-center projects from Maine’s business-equipment tax exemption and Dirigo business incentive program.

History

Historical Context

The Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed by President Bill Clinton on February 8 1996, overhauled the 1934 framework to deregulate broadband and limit state intervention. Its deregulation spurred state competition for data-center incentives, exemplified by Massachusetts’ subsidies and Maine’s 2026 veto by Governor Janet Mills of a tax-break plan. The Maine move reflects the ongoing post-1996 battle over how funds attract tech investment.

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Story summary

Governor Janet Mills announced an executive order to create a council studying data-center impacts after vetoing LD 307 on April 24 2026.
She vetoed the moratorium because it omitted an exemption for the $550 million Androscoggin Mill site project in Jay, projected to create over 800 construction jobs and at least 100 permanent jobs.
Mills also signed LD 713, which bars data-center projects from Maine’s business-equipment tax exemption and Dirigo business incentive program.

1 / 2