Maryland governor backs retired coal plant’s conversion to gas

The planned conversion of a retired Maryland coal plant into a gas-fired facility to power a data center by developer TeraWulf has ignited a significant dispute between environmental groups and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Maryland Environmental Secretary Serena McIlwain pledged to assist TeraWulf in securing permits for the project, including acquiring rights-of-way for a new gas pipeline. This support has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, who cite concerns over the project's climate impact. Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, stated the group's intention to "mobilize public opinion, file lawsuits, to do whatever it takes to stop the governor from doing this." The organization is planning a rally in Annapolis to actively oppose the project.