What specific clean energy requirement did Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey impose on new data centers?

Governor Maura Healey issued an executive order mandating that data center developers invest in their own clean energy generation and obtain local approval before seeking state construction permits; if they fail to meet their electricity needs with renewable energy, they must pay into a new fund benefiting Massachusetts ratepayers.

How does Massachusetts' new policy compare to actions taken by other U.S. states regarding data center development?

Like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania—which have paused or limited data center development due to local backlash—Massachusetts is imposing strict oversight, but its requirement that developers procure their own renewable energy supply appears unique; Pennsylvania’s similar guardrails require developers to bring their own power with 'an increasingly significant portion' from clean sources, while Texas has paused projects for audit and Massachusetts’ Republican gubernatorial candidate opposes attracting such development altogether.

Massachusetts Mandates Clean Energy for New Data Centers

Sep 8, 2026

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued an executive order requiring new data centers to procure their own renewable energy supply, reflecting a broader trend among US states to regulate AI-driven electricity demand.

bloomberg

2026-09-08

Massachusetts Mandates Clean Energy for New Data Centers

Massachusetts Mandates Clean Energy for New Data Centers

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