Gov. Wes Moore evolves on data centers as Amazon project surges ahead
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's stance on data centers has evolved from actively courting the industry to emphasizing local control, amid rising concerns over electricity and land use. This shift comes as a massive Amazon Web Services facility is under construction in Adamstown, Frederick County, and Frederick County has enacted a moratorium on new data center applications. The State Senate also overrode the Governor's veto on a bill requiring a study of data center impacts.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's administration initially championed data center development, viewing it as crucial for the state's high-tech economic future. Early in his term, Governor Moore signed the Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act to reduce regulatory hurdles for the industry, reflecting his commitment to investing in future industries like data centers.
However, Governor Moore's messaging has significantly evolved as data centers have become a political liability, with communities across Maryland raising concerns about enormous electricity demands, land-use, and infrastructure needs. Recently, Moore stated on "The Root" podcast that "Data centers do not get to write the rules. They do not get to override local opinion. We have to make sure that the power belongs to the people." This shift follows his attempt to block a state study examining the environmental, energy, and economic impacts of data center development, which the Maryland State Senate unanimously overrode in December. His communications director also cited an ongoing private lawsuit as a reason for not commenting further on the issue.
In Adamstown, Frederick County, a sprawling Amazon Web Services facility of over 777,000 square feet, featuring 99 emergency generators and 258 megawatts of backup power, is currently under construction. Local residents like Mary express concerns about potential increases in taxes, electricity, and water usage. Reflecting these local pressures, Frederick County has stopped accepting new data center applications through the end of the year, although projects like Amazon's, which were already approved, are proceeding. Harford County Executive Bob Cassley also weighed in, highlighting Maryland's challenge in attracting power-intensive data centers while relying on out-of-state electricity generation. Cassley believes Moore's latest comments signal a shift towards local control over such developments.