Unlike her counterpart in Maine, Healey won’t support a ban on data-center proposals

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts publicly declared her opposition to a moratorium on new data center proposals, diverging from Maine Governor Janet Mills, who supports such a ban. Addressing the New England Council, Healey stressed the necessity of data centers for Massachusetts' innovation economy, stating that "A ban, that's not going to help our economy. That's not going to help our future." She acknowledged community and electricity cost concerns but suggested solutions could be found through collaborative efforts. Healey's position reinforces her previous support for the industry, including signing an economic development bill in late 2024 that provided sales tax exemptions for data center proposals. While Massachusetts has generally avoided the intense data center controversies seen in other states due to high costs, local resistance is emerging. Lowell city councilors recently enacted a one-year ban on new data centers following an expansion proposal for an existing facility. A potential data center project in Everett at a former oil tank farm also faces scrutiny. Healey's remarks were part of a broader speech emphasizing innovation, tech talent retention, and state-level energy legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs.