Proposed Maine underwater data center that could harm endangered whales is far from done deal
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a preliminary permit for DeepGreen Western Passage SPV to study a proposed underwater data center in the Bay of Fundy near Eastport, Maine. The permit does not authorize construction, but Eastport officials, the Passamaquoddy Tribe and environmental groups are opposing the project over potential effects on endangered whales and the local ecosystem.
FERC approved DeepGreen Western Passage SPV's preliminary permit for the proposed Western Passage Subsea-Compute & Infrastructure Hub near Eastport in Washington County, Maine. The permit gives DeepGreen priority to pursue development studies for up to four years but does not authorize construction, entry into the waters, or on-water testing. The concept includes as many as 50 tidal turbines generating up to 15 megawatts, although the company has no concrete construction plans and would need additional federal, state and local approvals.
Eastport's City Council unanimously opposed the project, and the city filed a motion to intervene in the FERC proceedings. The Passamaquoddy Tribe has rejected collaboration with DeepGreen, while the Center for Biological Diversity also moved to intervene, citing potential vessel noise, pollution and harm to North Atlantic right whales and other wildlife. Eastport has passed a citizen initiative prohibiting large-scale data centers, though a separate initiative requiring voter approval for certain large developments was rejected after a legal review found it likely unenforceable.