Cox speaks of electricity crisis, economic issues in governor's race
Maryland Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox warned of an electricity crisis in the state and proposed banning data centers. He stated that if elected, he would issue a moratorium on data center development to protect farmland and rural communities, arguing that the economic benefits do not outweigh environmental and infrastructure costs.
Maryland Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox recently outlined his platform on WBAL NewsRadio, addressing several key issues including the state's economic and energy future. Cox, who is in a rematch against Democrat Wes Moore for the governor's seat, clarified his previous stance on the 2020 election, stating he is a supporter of the data and acknowledged President Biden as the certified winner.
A significant portion of Cox's discussion focused on what he termed an "electricity crisis" in Maryland. He specifically highlighted data centers as a major concern, questioning whether their economic benefits justify their environmental and infrastructure costs. Cox expressed strong opposition to data centers, particularly citing the construction of an NPRP power line that is consuming Maryland farmland, not for local data centers, but to serve facilities in Virginia.
As a solution, Cox proposed a ban on data centers in Maryland and stated his intention to issue an immediate moratorium on their development if elected governor. He emphasized the need to protect rural communities and farmland, arguing that the current approach is leading to the "takeover of our farms." Despite being pro-technology and pro-business, Cox believes Maryland can find better solutions than sacrificing agricultural land for data center infrastructure. He also touched upon other policy points, including a reduction in the state's corporate tax rate and cuts to vehicle registration fees.