The One Town That Wants a Data Center

In a small town named Jay, Maine, there is a desire for a data center that contradicts the national trend. Opposition to data centers is widespread, with 70% of Americans opposing construction in their communities due to environmental concerns, electrical costs, and the perceived dominance of tech companies. Notable figures like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Steve Bannon, and Matt Walsh have also spoken out against data centers.

In the first three months of the current year, 75 data-center projects were blocked or delayed, similar to the number blocked or delayed in all of the previous year. This is a fraction of the over 1,500 projects currently in development. Some states have attempted to address this issue through statewide moratoriums, but only a few have successfully passed.

New York became the first state to ban the construction of "hyperscale" data centers, while Maine was nearly ready to pass a similar ban. However, Governor Janet Mills vetoed the bill due to its exclusion of a specific project in the Town of Jay. Jay, with a population of 4,620, initially wanted a data center, and town officials campaigned for its preservation.

The story explores why Jay, a town known for its past and future-oriented motto, chose to fight for a data center, unlike many others who oppose them. The author visited Jay to understand the reasoning behind this decision, discovering that the town's stance was more about overcoming local challenges than concerns about tech companies or the future of AI.

Jay is situated in the less glamorous side of Maine, far from the coastal vacation spots. It is not known for its lighthouses or ski mountains but for its resilience amidst difficulties. The town's main employer is its school, and many residents rely on motorized scooters due to economic constraints. Jay possesses ample space, which led a company called JGT2 to purchase 1,000 acres near the town's border.

Originally, JGT2 planned to establish a wood-product manufacturing facility, which the town's Select Board supported. However, the project later shifted towards a data center, and Tony McDonald, one of the developers, approached the board for support. McDonald revealed that he had not informed anyone about the change in plans and apologized for the oversight. The board voted unanimously to support the data center proposal, despite the secrecy surrounding such projects.

The author concludes that, despite the national opposition, local factors and the failure of previous ventures have brought the Town of Jay to support a data center, highlighting the importance of local politics in shaping such decisions.