As data center pushback flips local elections, activists bring the fight to Annapolis
Activists and environmental groups in Maryland are pushing for a statewide data center moratorium during a special legislative session in Annapolis, citing concerns about rising electric rates, noise, and water usage. This effort comes as local jurisdictions in Maryland have already enacted moratoriums and public opposition has influenced recent local elections. Despite legislative leadership's reluctance to expand the session's agenda, a statewide data center study is expected in October, which could aid future action.
Lawmakers gathering in Annapolis, Maryland for a special redistricting session are facing pressure from environmental groups and activists to consider a statewide moratorium on data center development. Greg Smith, an organizer from Prince George's County, and Dave Arndt, co-chair of Maryland lobbying group Climate Justice Wing, are among those advocating for legislative action, citing concerns that current state environmental, energy, and land use laws are insufficient to address data centers' impacts, including rising electric rates, noise pollution, and water usage.
Despite their efforts, State Sen. Karen Lewis Young, who represents part of Frederick County, expressed pessimism about adding the moratorium to the special session's agenda, as legislative leadership is wary of expanding the session beyond redistricting. However, Lewis Young noted that a statewide data center study, which she sponsored and is expected to be released in October, could provide crucial data on energy use, environmental impacts, and revenue analysis to expedite future votes or emergency actions.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has previously adopted a development-friendly stance, signing an executive order in May 2024 to ease environmental restrictions for data center backup generators, and vetoing Lewis Young's data center study bill, though the General Assembly overrode the veto. The Maryland Tech Council has also championed the economic benefits of data centers, emphasizing tax revenue and job creation, while also stressing the need for transparent local planning.
Public sentiment in Maryland reflects a broader national trend of increasing opposition to data center developments, with recent polling showing 41% of Americans oppose a data center within three miles of their home. This local opposition has already led to political repercussions, with several county commissioners in Calvert County and Frederick County Council President Brad Young, who oversaw Quantum Frederick development-related legislation, being ousted in primary races after voting against or being criticized for their stances on data centers. Activists argue that a patchwork of county-level moratoriums is insufficient, as the impacts of data centers can extend beyond county lines, underscoring the need for a statewide approach.