Eastport AI data center proposal advances amid local concerns
A proposed AI data center near Eastport, Maine, is moving through federal review despite local concerns over its environmental impact. The Eastport City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on data center development to allow time for zoning review and public input. Residents have until October 19th to submit comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
An underwater AI data center proposed off Eastport, Maine, is currently progressing through the federal review process, generating apprehension among local residents. Concerns are primarily focused on the project's potential environmental impact on the coastal community and its effect on Eastport's maritime character. The facility, which would replace existing computing infrastructure beneath Passamaquoddy Bay, is designed to be powered by tidal energy and cooled by seawater.
In response to these local worries, the Eastport City Council has approved a 180-day moratorium on data center development. This temporary measure is intended to provide the town with more time to review local zoning regulations and gather public input on the proposal. However, this local moratorium does not impede the federal review.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) officially accepted the developer's revised preliminary permit application for filing on August 19th. This is an important distinction, as an approved permit would only authorize engineering and environmental studies, not actual construction. Residents and interested parties have until October 19th to formally intervene or submit their comments on the proposal to FERC.