Data Center Signal is tracking 3 clips about Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center data center developments across 1 states, including MA.
Communities across Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley are actively rallying against data center developments, raising concerns about power, water usage, and environmental impact. Westfield recently enacted a one-year data center moratorium, and Holyoke passed an outright ban. The state government has also paused data center tax incentives and is working on new regulations.
Holyoke, Massachusetts, has enacted a ban on new data centers, thwarting a project by Chestnut River Power Data Center. Concurrently, Westfield, Massachusetts, is moving towards a one-year moratorium on data center construction, amidst significant public opposition over environmental and resource concerns. The statewide discontent has prompted Governor Maura Healey to halt data center tax breaks and State Senator John Velis to propose legislation for data centers to cover their electricity and water costs.
The Holyoke City Council has voted 9-4 to ban future data center developments within the city by amending its zoning ordinance. This decision follows significant community opposition to a proposed 20-megawatt data center by Chestnut River Power and Infrastructure on Water Street, which will now not proceed. A separate motion for a two-year moratorium on data center applications failed.