Massachusetts Governor mandates local approval for data centers and calls for AI guardrails

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has issued an executive order requiring proposed data center projects to obtain local approval before proceeding with state permitting. This move follows previous actions by her administration to halt tax breaks for such facilities. Under the new order, developers must establish community benefits agreements that align with state standards. The order also prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements between state agencies and data centers to promote transparency.

In addition to local oversight, Governor Healey is calling for increased federal guardrails and independent oversight for artificial intelligence. Her comments follow warnings from industry insiders, including former Anthropic employees, regarding the potential existential risks posed by rapid AI development. Healey emphasized that while AI offers significant potential, the technology must not outpace the ability to ensure public safety, urging federal leaders to implement necessary protections.