Moore Orders New Data Center Task Force, Wants Maryland's $22M Tax Break Gone
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing a statewide task force for data center development, review large projects over 25 MW, and create a public dashboard for tracking resource use and permits. He also announced plans to repeal a data center tax exemption. This comes as several Maryland counties have already enacted or are considering their own moratoriums, with neighboring Virginia taking similar actions.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing statewide safeguards for data center development, creating a task force and a public dashboard. The task force will review proposed data center projects requiring over 25 megawatts, evaluating economic benefits, community input, and environmental protections. It will also track developers, power, water use, and permit statuses, while supporting local governments with zoning issues.
Separately, Governor Moore plans to repeal a 2020 sales and use tax exemption for data centers, a program criticized for costing the state $22 million in forgone revenue. These actions follow local initiatives, with Baltimore County extending its data center moratorium through December 2027 and Harford County approving an indefinite ban. The governor's move reflects a broader regional trend, as neighboring Virginia also enacted similar executive orders.
Moore has indicated he would sign a legislative moratorium if the General Assembly passes one. The pressure to regulate stems from concerns about grid strain, with regional operator PJM Interconnection projecting 94% of its load growth through 2030 to be tied to data centers.