Massachusetts S3213: Data Centers

What the bill says

From the introduced text, July 23, 2026:

by adding the following section:- SECTION XXXX: (a) (i) As used in this section, “data center” shall mean a facility whose total highest electricity demand during the most recent 12 consecutive monthly billing periods, or a forecast of its next 12 consecutive monthly billing periods was or is not less than 20 megawatts and whose primary purpose is the storage, management and processing of digital data via the interconnection and operation of information technology and network telecommunications equipment, including all related facilities and infrastructure for backup electricity generation, power distribution, environmental control, cooling and security. (ii) As used in this section, “new clean energy resources” shall mean energy that is (i) generated by non-carbon emitting renewable sources and meet the RPS Class I eligibility criteria outlined in 225 CMR 14.05; (ii) tracked by the New England Power Pool Generation Information System; (iii) generated in the compliance period in which it is used; and (iv) generates renewable energy certificates that are retired within 6 months after the end of the compliance period in which energy is used. (b) Any new or expanded data center seeking any permit from any state or local permitting authorities shall procure sufficient electricity supply to meet their operational needs using not less than 100 per cent new clean energy resources that are located on the same …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Vanna Howard (D, 17th Middlesex) · primary sponsor
• Jason Lewis (D, Fifth Middlesex)
• Joanne Comerford (D, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester)
• Lydia Edwards (D, Third Suffolk)
• Nick Collins (D, First Suffolk)
• Pavel Payano (D)
• Jacob Oliveira (D)
• James Eldridge (D, Middlesex and Worcester)
• John Keenan (D, Norfolk and Plymouth)
• Patricia Jehlen (D, Second Middlesex)
• Kennedy, Robyn K. (D, First Worcester)
• Adam Gómez (D, Hampden)

Latest actions

1. July 23, 2026: See S3178

Common questions

What is S3213?

S3213 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): Data Centers.

What is the status of S3213?

Introduced as of July 23, 2026. Latest action: See S3178 (July 23, 2026).

Who sponsored S3213?

Vanna Howard (D, 17th Middlesex), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for S3213?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3213