Eastport to debate data center ordinances
The Eastport City Council in Maine is expected to consider two ordinances proposed by residents to stop a proposed underwater data center. One ordinance would permanently ban large-scale data centers, and the other would require voter approval for large commercial developments. The city council will also consider a motion for the city to file for intervenor status in the data center's permitting process.
The Eastport City Council in Maine is slated to consider two ordinances aimed at halting a proposed underwater data center. These ordinances were introduced by the Eastport Coalition for Healthy Oceans (ECO), a local resident group.
The first proposed ordinance seeks a permanent ban on large-scale data centers within the city. The second would mandate voter approval for commercial and industrial developments exceeding a certain size. Last month, the city's planning board unanimously recommended the adoption of the first ordinance while advising against the second.
Additionally, the city council will deliberate a motion from ECO requesting the city to file for intervenor status in the permitting process for the proposed data center. This status would enable the city to actively participate as a third party in the proceedings. A public meeting on these matters is scheduled for tonight at 6 o'clock at Shedd High School's gym.