Battles over data centers intensify in the Maryland State House and communities

Across Maryland, activists and data center supporters are engaged in heated debates over the siting and regulation of proposed facilities. In Prince George's County, Taylor Frazier McCollum gathered over 20,000 signatures on a petition against a data center planned for the former Landover Mall site, citing concerns about noise, light, and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, the Maryland State House debated numerous bills related to data centers this session. The legislature passed the Utility RELIEF Act, which aims to strengthen the state's energy system, expand clean energy, and hold utilities and data centers accountable for grid upgrades. Governor Wes Moore is expected to sign the bill into law, emphasizing that data centers will now be responsible for their own power needs and grid improvements. In Frederick County, activist Elizabeth Bauer and the group Envision are challenging an ordinance passed in January that allows data centers on rural legacy and priority preservation land. They have organized a petition with over 20,000 signatures to force a citizen vote on the ordinance and anticipate a legal battle with Frederick County. The Maryland Tech Council, led by CEO Kelly Schulz, advocates for data centers, highlighting their economic benefits such as job creation and significant tax revenue, with one project in Frederick County estimated to generate over $200 million annually.