Amendment (193) … to the House Bill relative to economic development in the commonwealth. (S.3213, MA)

Requires new and expanded data centers to procure 100% new clean energy resources. To obtain a permit for fossil-fuel backup generators, infeasibility of clean sources must be demonstrated, phasing to 100% clean energy by 2040; must cover all associated costs. Permits dependent on water practices that are efficient, do not impact local water quality, and do not harm public health and welfare. Water resources management plan required ensuring no increased rates and no adverse impact on sensitive watersheds or housing development. Several cumulative impact analyses are also required, covering energy infrastructure, noise, air pollution, etc. CBAs required. Annual water and energy usage reporting required. NDAs prohibited. Project labor agreements required for construction/expansion of data centers. Failure to meet requirements or to install continuous environmental monitoring systems to measure and publicly report air emissions, water usage, and other environmental indicators in real time makes a project ineligible for tax breaks. Electric utilities to create tariffs to ensure cost covering and incentivize energy efficiency.