Maryland Judge Strikes Data Center Ballot Petition in Frederick; TeraWulf Secures Deal for Potomac River Data Center Project
A Maryland judge ruled against a petition seeking a ballot question in Frederick County on a data center development zone. Separately, TeraWulf, led by Paul Prager, secured a deal with the Moore administration to convert an old coal plant on the Potomac River into a large data center, promising environmental remediation and jobs.
A Maryland judge has blocked a proposed ballot question in Frederick County that would have allowed residents to vote on a data center development zone. Judge James A. Bonifant ruled against the petition on Thursday, preventing the measure from proceeding to a public vote. This decision impacts local opposition efforts to influence data center development through direct voter input on zoning.
In related news, Paul Prager and his company TeraWulf have secured a deal with the Moore administration to establish what could become Maryland's largest data center. The plan involves acquiring an old coal plant on the Potomac River and retooling it to power the new facility. According to Prager, the project will bring environmental remediation, create jobs, and reinforce the regional power grid. The negotiations, which occurred months before public disclosure, offer insight into how such deals are made with state officials.