Massachusetts hits data centers with new clean power rules
Massachusetts has introduced new regulations requiring large data centers to source clean energy or contribute to a ratepayer protection fund. This move follows a growing trend of states imposing stricter environmental and power-usage requirements on the tech industry.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in state policy as governments balance the economic benefits of data centers with the strain they place on local power grids and climate goals.
Massachusetts became the latest state to force data centers to bring their own power, but this time there’s a twist. A new state mandate would require developers building data centers larger than 25 megawatts to provide clean power or pay into a ratepayer protection fund.
Gov. Maura Healey’s executive order is the latest example of states turning against data centers. Just a few years ago, tech companies and data center developers were showered with incentives to locate facilities in a particular state. Now, they’re fighting a groundswell of public opposition as politicians seek to show voters they’re addressing their concerns.
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