Massachusetts hits data centers with new clean power rules

Massachusetts has become the third state in as many months to introduce new restrictions on data center development, with a new state mandate requiring developers building data centers larger than 25 megawatts to provide clean power or pay into a ratepayer protection fund. Governor Maura Healey's executive order is the latest example of states turning against data centers, following similar moves in Texas and New York. Under the order, data centers must generate at least 40% of their power from approved sources like wind, solar, and hydro by 2030, with the amount varying by year. Healey's office has paused applications for a data center sales tax exemption to give regulators time to implement the new restrictions. The clean power commitment might not be as stringent as it sounds, with data centers only required to meet the Massachusetts clean energy standard, which is enshrined in state law. The governor has also directed communities to avoid signing non-disclosure agreements. The tech industry is pushing back against the new restrictions, with pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future buying ads to sway voters in battleground states ahead of midterm elections. Massachusetts is also directing communities to 'avoid signing non-disclosure agreements,' according to the executive order. The new restrictions are part of a growing trend of states taking a harder line on data center development, with tech companies and data center developers being showered with incentives just a few years ago. The move is part of Governor Healey's efforts to address public opposition to data centers, which has been growing in recent years. Governor Healey has stated that data centers must meet the Massachusetts clean energy standard, which will only require them to generate a portion of their power using approved sources like wind, solar, and hydro. The order also allows data centers to generate their own clean power onsite, if desired. The state mandate will apply to data centers larger than 25 megawatts of peak demand, with smaller facilities exempt. The order is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of data centers, which are increasingly being seen as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The new restrictions are expected to have a significant impact on the data center industry, with many facilities likely to be forced to adopt cleaner energy sources in order to comply with the new regulations. The move is also likely to be felt in the wider technology industry, with many companies relying on data centers to power their operations. The state's decision is also seen as a model for other states to follow, with many experts predicting that it will lead to a national shift in the way data centers are regulated. The order was announced as part of Governor Healey's efforts to address public opposition to data centers, which has been growing in recent years. The governor has stated that the new restrictions are necessary to address the growing concern about the environmental impact of data centers. The order is also part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of data centers, which are increasingly being seen as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The new restrictions are expected to have a significant impact on the data center industry, with many facilities likely to be forced to adopt cleaner energy sources in order to comply with the new regulations.