Moore signs executive order for data center guardrails

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on Wednesday to establish a framework of "guardrails" for data center development across the state. The order outlines five key areas: protecting ratepayers and the electricity grid, ensuring economic benefits for Marylanders, amplifying community input, implementing environmental protections, and fostering transparency and accountability. Governor Moore emphasized that these are mandatory standards, not mere suggestions, particularly regarding water use and backup generation requirements for developers. The executive order also indicates that the administration will work with the General Assembly to repeal Senate Bill 397, a 2020 law that provided a personal property tax exemption for data centers, which Moore criticized for prioritizing data centers over citizens. The governor stated that a public dashboard would be created to track data center proposals, resource usage, and commitment fulfillment. The executive order is effective immediately.

The move drew immediate criticism from Republicans, who labeled it a "political stunt" and "political theater." Dan Cox, Moore's Republican challenger, suggested the order was a reaction to his exposure of Moore's campaign donations from TeraWulf Inc. owner Paul Prager and alleged fast-tracking of permits for a TeraWulf data center at the Charles County Morgantown Power Plant. Cox further claimed the order provides an "unfair business advantage" to TeraWulf. The Maryland Freedom Caucus also dismissed the order, noting it lacked a full moratorium or new power to halt construction, and pointed out that House Democrats previously voted down an actual moratorium proposed by Delegate Mark Fisher. Moore's action follows his recent announcement of an artificial intelligence framework for Maryland, which also seeks to establish safeguards for residents.