Opposition to data centers grows in Mass. cities and towns

Two Massachusetts cities, Lowell and Everett, are at the forefront of a growing movement to halt or slow data center development, driven by community concerns over environmental impacts and resource consumption. Lowell's city councilors unanimously voted last month to enact a one-year moratorium on data center development, the first of its kind in Massachusetts, according to the environmental watchdog group Slingshot. The pause allows city officials, like City Councilor Kim Scott, time to review zoning rules to protect residents. The existing Markley data center in Lowell, which is planning to expand, is a point of contention. Jake Fortes, who founded Honest Future for Lowell, claims the facility's noise and diesel fumes are harming residents. Fortes's group is collaborating with the Yale Environmental Justice Law and Advocacy Clinic to challenge earlier state environmental approvals for Markley's diesel generators, alleging misrepresentation of emissions. In Everett, residents are advocating for a citywide ban on data centers, prompted by a potential data center project at a former ExxonMobil site. Stephanie McColaugh, a new planning board member, has proposed the ban, which is slated for a hearing in April. The site developer, The Davis Companies, stated they have no specific plans for a data center but wish to keep their options open, with Chief Development Officer Michael Cantalupa suggesting that environmental concerns could be mitigated by new technology and utility upgrades. Residents, however, emphasize the need for vocal opposition to prevent adverse impacts.