diff --git a/bin/carto b/bin/carto
index 877f663..2b75a5e 100755
--- a/bin/carto
+++ b/bin/carto
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ if (!existsSync(input)) {
 function compileMML(err, data) {
     // force drain the millstone download pool now
     // to ensure we can exit without waiting
-    if (millstone.drainPool) {
+    if (options.localize && millstone.drainPool) {
         millstone.drainPool(function() {});
     }
     if (err) {