MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Holyoke bans new data centers, Westfield proposes moratorium

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.