The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing has triggered a rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. According to the industry database, Data Center Map, there are at least 4,000 data centers across the U.S., with already 126 in New England states.

In February 2026, the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) submitted comments to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) on proposed updates to the state’s Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.0).