AI Data Center Sparks Eastport Wetland Fears

Residents of Eastport, Maine, are voicing significant concerns regarding a proposed underwater artificial intelligence data center in the Bay of Fundy's Western Passage. DeepGreen Western Passage SPV LLC has applied for a preliminary permit to conduct studies for this novel tidal-powered AI data center, identifying waters north of Eastport as a potential site, with Alaska's Upper Cook Inlet as another option.

Community members have pressed the Eastport City Council for action, advocating for a temporary moratorium. Key objections include the potential impact on protected wetlands, which fall under Maine's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act, and questions about the project's long-term benefits and job creation for Eastport. Some residents suspect developers prioritize profit over local interests.

The City Council declined to vote on a moratorium, deeming it too early in the development process. Instead, they resolved to send a letter to DeepGreen expressing objections, mirroring sentiment from a letter sent by Washington County commissioners who also stated opposition due to risks to the region's maritime industry and residents.

Meanwhile, Governor Janet Mills recently vetoed a statewide data center moratorium bill, citing a specific project in Jay, Maine, that has local support. This Jay project involves renovating a former mill into a data center, projected to create significant construction and operational jobs. However, other Maine communities, including Lewiston and Scarborough, have since enacted temporary moratoriums on similar projects. Governor Mills has also established a council to evaluate policies for large-scale data center projects, due to report by January 29, 2027.