AI experts say Healey’s order restricting data center construction in Mass. ‘makes sense’
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has issued an executive order to make data center construction more difficult, requiring local approval, community benefit agreements, and state standards before permitting. This aims to ensure transparency, mitigate environmental impact, and manage strain on resources like the electric grid and water. The order comes amidst growing local opposition to data centers, including protests and lawsuits in Lowell and a proposed ban in Salem.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced an executive order that will significantly impact data center development across the state. The order mandates that proposed data center projects secure local community approval and establish community benefit agreements that align with state standards before they can proceed with state permitting. This initiative is designed to ensure a transparent and fair approval process, prohibiting state agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements with data center developers.
The executive order also imposes stricter requirements on data centers, compelling them to procure or develop their own energy supply to avoid burdening taxpayers and the electric grid. Additionally, facilities must be built in locations with adequate water and wastewater infrastructure while limiting air emissions. While some AI experts, like Kate Saenko from Boston University, support the order as a "sensible" step towards thoughtful development, there's an open question about its potential conflict with Healey's broader goal of establishing Massachusetts as a national leader in AI innovation.
The statewide order emerges against a backdrop of increasing local opposition to data center expansion. For example, residents in Lowell have engaged in protests and filed lawsuits against a 352,000 square-foot data facility operated by the Markley Group. Similarly, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo recently defended a proposed zoning ordinance to ban data center construction in his city, citing concerns about urban density, economic viability, and the documented impacts of such facilities on the community.
Experts emphasize the importance of coupling AI innovation with responsible resource use. John Byers, executive director of Boston University’s AI Accelerator, highlighted the order's role in promoting transparency and mitigating costs for Massachusetts consumers. Discussions also underscore the need for data center developers to utilize green or clean energy sources, aligning with environmental responsibility.