Massachusetts Governor Orders Local Approval for New Data Centers
Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order requiring community consent and compliance with energy, water and engagement standards before state permits are granted for new data centers in Massachusetts.
Boston — Governor Maura Healey announced an executive order that makes local community approval a prerequisite for state permitting of new data centers. Under the order, developers must secure a community benefits agreement with the host city or town and are prohibited from using non-disclosure agreements during the review process.
"Unless a community says yes to a data center, we are saying no," Healey said.
The order also obliges facilities to meet energy, water and community-engagement standards set by the administration in June, including supplying their own clean energy, protecting local water resources, and contributing to a Ratepayer Protection Fund that refunds customers if electricity costs exceed company coverage.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue, who opposes additional energy demand, said the state cannot handle more energy needs at this time.
The measure follows a broader national debate on data-center expansion, with other states such as New York and Maine considering or implementing similar restrictions.