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ARTICLE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Massachusetts Establishes New Framework For Data Center Development

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
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Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has issued Executive Order No. 658, establishing a comprehensive statewide framework for regulating large-scale data center development. The order requires developers of facilities with peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts to meet new standards addressing community benefits, grid impacts, environmental concerns, and workforce considerations before receiving state permits.

United StatesEnvironment
Steven Baddour
Steven Baddour
Daniel Connelly
Daniel Connelly
Taylor C. Shepherd
Taylor C. Shepherd
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Massachusetts has taken a significant step toward regulating large-scale data center development with Governor Maura Healey's issuance of Executive Order No. 658. The order establishes a statewide framework for the review and approval of large data center projects, with a focus on protecting ratepayers, communities, and environmental resources while supporting economic development.

The framework generally applies to data centers with peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts and requires developers to satisfy new standards before receiving certain state permits or approvals.

The Executive Order seeks to ensure that the benefits of data center investment are realized without shifting energy, infrastructure, or environmental costs onto Massachusetts ratepayers and communities.

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