What’s happening in Maine
Maine came closer than any state in America to passing a statewide data center moratorium — and the fight isn’t over. In April 2026, the legislature passed LD 307 with a strong bipartisan majority in both chambers, which would have frozen all data center permits for facilities over 20 MW until November 2027.
Governor Janet Mills vetoed the bill, and the veto-override vote came up just short of the two-thirds majority needed. Supporters of fighting it out in court warned that quitting would embolden political opposition to data centers nationwide and risk setting legal precedent on the back of an administrative blunder.
Mills did sign LD 713, which strips state tax incentives from data center developers — a partial win. But the moratorium battle became a national flashpoint: if even a small state like Maine can’t hold the line against Big Tech lobbying, what chance do rural counties elsewhere have?
Communities across Maine — Jay, Sanford, Limestone, Scarborough, Wiscasset — remain targeted by developers. The legislative fight has energized activists across the state and become a model for moratorium campaigns in New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, and elsewhere.
Why Maine residents are concerned
Electricity rates. Maine residents pay among the highest electricity rates in the country. Data centers consuming 20+ MW of constant power would strain an already expensive grid.
Environment. Maine's natural resources — forests, waterways, and coastline — are central to the state's economy and identity. Industrial data center development threatens these assets.
Democratic process. The legislature passed the moratorium with bipartisan support. The governor's veto overrode the expressed will of elected representatives on both sides of the aisle.
How to oppose a data center in Maine
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Was Maine the first state to pass a data center moratorium?
Maine's legislature passed LD 307, which would have been the first statewide moratorium. Governor Mills vetoed it April 24, 2026. She separately signed LD 713 stripping data centers of tax incentives.
How can I oppose a data center in Maine?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.