Fishermen worry proposed underwater Down East data center would displace them

A proposal for an underwater data center in Western Passage off Moose Island, Eastport, Maine, by DeepGreen Western Passage SPV LLC, has garnered significant local skepticism and opposition. The project, backed by real estate agent Louis Wolfson from Needham, Massachusetts, aims to place 170 turbines and 34 data center pods in Passamaquoddy Bay, relying on tidal energy for power and the bay's waters for cooling. Wolfson admits to little experience with such projects and has not visited the proposed site. Local residents, including Dr. Holly Lewis of Southern Illinois University, express concerns about potential environmental degradation, noise, vibrations, electromagnetic issues, heat problems, and increased industrialization, which they fear could negatively impact home prices, tourism, and especially the crucial fishing industry. Fishermen like Elijah Brice worry about direct displacement of lobster and scallop gear and harm to critical lobster breeding grounds. Bob Peacock, a ship's pilot, raised concerns about impact on ship traffic to the Port of Bayside, and Kieran Weston, a scallop fisherman, called it a "horrible idea." Communication with local government and tribal entities appears to be minimal or indirect. Adam Newell of the Sipayik tribal council stated that Wolfson's communications have not been returned, and Eastport City Manager Brian Schuth has only had one conversation with Wolfson, expressing uncertainty about the project's future. Chris Gardner, executive director of the Eastport Port Authority, has conveyed community concerns directly to Wolfson, noting many questions from residents. Adding to the uncertainty, federal and state legislation is under consideration that could prohibit or temporarily ban new data center construction. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have filed a federal bill, while Maine lawmakers are considering state bills that would exclude data centers from certain tax breaks or impose a temporary construction ban until 2027. Opponents, including Lewis, hope such legislation will pass, potentially rendering Wolfson's preliminary project moot, and urge community members to make their voices heard.