Technology
Massachusetts issues clean energy mandate for large data centers
TechCrunch reports that an executive order requires facilities over 25 megawatts to secure clean power or fund ratepayer protections.
The short version
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order requiring data centers exceeding 25 megawatts to supply clean electricity or contribute to a ratepayer protection fund.[TechCrunch]
- The directive urges municipalities to refrain from signing non-disclosure agreements with facility developers.[TechCrunch]
- Applications for a recently introduced data center sales tax exemption are being paused while regulators prepare rules.[TechCrunch]
- Developers must align with state standards requiring approved clean energy sources to provide at least 40% of their total power by 2030.[TechCrunch]
Key facts
- Governor Maura Healey issued an executive order requiring data centers larger than 25 megawatts to provide clean power or contribute to a ratepayer protection fund.[TechCrunch]
- The executive order instructs local communities to avoid signing non-disclosure agreements regarding proposed data centers.[TechCrunch]
- Applications for a data center sales tax exemption that took effect the previous month have been paused to give regulators time to implement the restrictions.[TechCrunch]
- Covered facilities must meet benchmarks requiring approved power sources to account for at least 40% of total electricity by 2030.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- Healey's office was not reached prior to publication to comment on the order's rollout.[TechCrunch]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.