Massachusetts officials set limits on AI data centers to protect water and energy resources
Massachusetts officials are implementing various measures, including moratoriums, bans, and stricter regulations, to limit the development of AI data centers due to concerns over their significant energy and water consumption, as well as noise issues. Governor Maura Healey's executive order supports local control over such developments, prompting cities like Salem, Mansfield, Newburyport, Lowell, Westfield, and New Bedford to propose or enact specific ordinances and permitting requirements. These actions aim to mitigate environmental and resource strains while balancing economic development.
Massachusetts is seeing a surge in local government actions to regulate or halt the development of AI data centers, driven by concerns over their substantial demands on energy and water resources, as well as noise pollution. This trend is bolstered by Governor Maura Healey's recent executive order, which affirms community control over data center integration, preventing developers from bypassing local permitting processes. Sarah Rapoza, Mansfield's director of planning and development, noted the executive order helps align state and local governments on the issue of control within Massachusetts's highly localized governance structure.
Several cities are taking specific measures. Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo has proposed an ordinance to prohibit large AI data centers, citing the city's historical burden of industrial pollution. Mansfield has already implemented limits, restricting new developments to a maximum of 2 megawatts of power and requiring five-year permits with regular reporting on electricity, water, and noise. Newburyport's planning director, Andy Port, expressed concerns about water supply constraints that could impact future housing development if large data centers consume significant resources.
Additionally, Lowell and Westfield have enacted moratoriums on new data centers. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell is pushing for an ordinance that would necessitate a special permit from the zoning board of appeals and mayoral approval for any new data center, aiming to secure concessions from developers regarding resource use and community benefits. While Jeremy Dunn of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 7 supports data center projects for job creation, he advocates for them with strict "guardrails" to address community concerns.