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Lowell, Massachusetts, has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center developments, including expansions for the Markley Group's facility, the largest in the state. The City Council's decision is intended to allow for zoning updates and better resident protection amidst rising concerns over environmental impacts and infrastructure demands.

The moratorium could potentially be extended for an additional 180 days. Local advocacy groups have raised issues over transparency in the development process, while Markley employees express worries about job security. The legislation reflects broader national tensions regarding data center growth and its neighborhood effects.