Healey executive order requires local OK for new data centers in Mass.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued an executive order requiring new data centers to obtain local approval before seeking state permits. The order also mandates adherence to energy, water, and community engagement standards, including supplying their own clean energy and contributing to a Ratepayer Protection Fund. This move aims to give local communities more control over data center development.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced an executive order requiring all new data centers in the state to secure local approval before applying for state permits. The order also mandates adherence to energy, water, and community engagement standards previously outlined by her administration, including requirements for data centers to supply their own clean energy, protect local water resources, and engage in community benefits agreements, disallowing non-disclosure agreements.
Healey emphasized that communities will have veto power, stating, "Unless a community says yes to a data center, we are saying no." Additionally, the order requires data centers to contribute to a Ratepayer Protection Fund to offset potential electricity cost increases for consumers. This policy initiative comes amidst a gubernatorial reelection campaign, where Republican opponent Mike Minogue has advocated for more energy infrastructure to support industries like data centers, while also expressing concerns about current energy demand.
The context for the order includes rising electricity and water consumption by data centers, especially hyperscale facilities, with a mention of an existing lawsuit that paused expansion plans for Markley Group's data center in Lowell. The article also notes similar regulatory actions in other states, such as Maine's vetoed moratorium bill and New York's statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers, highlighting a broader national discussion on data center regulation.