# Massachusetts data center and AI regulation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/massachusetts-data-center-and-ai-regulation > Updated: 2026-09-13T16:00:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has implemented new regulatory requirements for data center development through an executive order. The mandate requires proposed projects to obtain local approval and establish community benefits agreements that meet state standards for public health, infrastructure, and the environment. To protect the electric grid and residents, data centers with a peak electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts must comply with state guidelines, which include procuring or developing their own clean energy resources. The order also establishes a ‘Ratepayer Protection Fund’ for facilities unable to immediately generate clean energy and prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements between state agencies and developers to ensure transparency. In addition to these local oversight measures, the Governor has called for increased federal guardrails and independent oversight for artificial intelligence, citing potential existential risks and the need to ensure technology does not outpace public safety. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Massachusetts Governor mandates local approval for data centers and calls for AI guardrails Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has ordered that data centers must receive local approval before state permitting and is calling for stronger federal guardrails to manage AI risks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-governor-mandates-local-approval-for-data-centers-and-calls-for-ai-guardrails ### 2026-09-08: Massachusetts Governor mandates local approval for data centers Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order requiring Massachusetts data centers to secure local approval, provide their own clean energy, and contribute to a new Ratepayer Protection Fund. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-governor-mandates-local-approval-for-data-centers --- Cite as: Massachusetts data center and AI regulation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/massachusetts-data-center-and-ai-regulation