Eastport underwater AI data center moves forward in federal review
An underwater AI data center proposed by Deep Green off Eastport, Maine, is moving through federal review. Residents have raised concerns about environmental impact and community character, leading the city council to enact a 180-day moratorium on data center permits. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will decide whether to grant a preliminary permit after residents have a chance to file interventions.
A proposed underwater AI data center off the coast of Eastport, Maine, is advancing through the federal review process, generating concerns among local residents. The project, spearheaded by Massachusetts-based developer Deep Green, aims to place computing infrastructure beneath Passamaquoddy Bay, powered by tidal energy and cooled by seawater.
Residents, including Sue Ann Hendricks, are worried about the potential environmental impact on the fishing and lobstering community, as well as the project's effect on Eastport's maritime character. In response to these concerns, the Eastport City Council approved a 180-day moratorium, temporarily pausing data center permits to allow more time for research, community input, and addressing zoning questions.
Deep Green managing member Louis Wolfson stated that the moratorium does not alter the company's current plans and provides more time for research. He expressed eagerness to transparently present data to address community questions with empirical facts. Eastport City Manager Brian Shuth clarified that while the moratorium guarantees no permits will be issued for at least six months, it does not impact the ongoing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) process. Shuth added that the preliminary permit, if approved, would allow Deep Green to conduct engineering and environmental studies, but not begin construction. Residents have until October to file an intervention before FERC makes a decision on the preliminary permit.