Eastport underwater data center
Deep Green Western Passage applied for a permit to test an underwater AI data center off Eastport, Maine, sparking significant resident opposition over environmental and energy impacts. Residents have petitioned the city for a permanent ban, which could lead to a public vote. Meanwhile, Maine's governor vetoed a statewide moratorium but created an advisory council to study data center issues.
Deep Green Western Passage, a tidal energy company, has applied for a federal environmental permit to test waters off Eastport, Maine, as a preliminary step towards building an underwater AI data center. This proposal has met with strong community opposition, driven by concerns about its environmental impact, strain on the local energy grid, and the overall suitability of such a facility for the community. Resident Jewell Hendricks voiced strong criticism against developer Lewis Wolfson, highlighting the perceived disconnect between his affluent background and the choice of Eastport for the project.
Despite dissent from the Eastport City Council, they have not enacted a moratorium, even after resident Deborah Glynn provided language for a temporary ban. City Manager Brian Schuth cited limited resources for a potential legal challenge in a report to News Center Maine. In response, local activist Bernie Velveteen and the group ECHO submitted a petition, gathering almost double the necessary signatures, to force a vote on a permanent ban on these facilities and require voter approval for large-scale projects. This initiative could place the future of Eastport's coastline on the November ballot.
Concurrently, at the state level, Governor Janet Mills vetoed a proposed temporary statewide moratorium on data centers, deeming it too broad. Instead, she established an advisory council to conduct a study on the issue. As the state council proceeds with its review, attention remains on the Eastport City Council, which is now tasked with deciding whether to hold a public hearing for the residents' petition, leaving the project's fate uncertain.