Governor Moore Signs Order Establishing Data Center Review Process
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing a statewide review process for large data center projects (25 MW+). The order creates a Maryland Data Center Task Force to review proposals, ensure transparency, protect ratepayers and the environment, and empower communities. Governor Moore also announced plans to work with the General Assembly to repeal the state's data center sales and use tax exemption.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has enacted an executive order to create a comprehensive, statewide review process for new data center developments, addressing concerns over environmental impact and energy consumption. The order applies to all data center projects requiring 25 megawatts or more of power and seeking state action. It mandates a standardized review process and establishes a public dashboard to track project details, including projected power and water usage, location, developer, and state actions requested.
The executive order establishes the Maryland Data Center Task Force, housed within the Governors Office, to oversee this new framework. The task force, comprising members from various state departments including Energy, Commerce, Labor, Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Planning, will evaluate projects based on principles of ratepayer and grid protection, economic benefits, community input, environmental safeguards, and transparency. Projects will receive a public determination of "Aligned," "Conditionally Aligned," or "Not Aligned."
In addition to the executive order, Governor Moore announced his commitment to collaborate with the General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session to repeal Maryland's Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption, which was first enacted in 2020. Governor Moore stated that these actions aim to put control in the hands of Marylanders, ensuring they do not bear the costs while protecting the environment and centering community voices and accountability in the development process. He emphasized the need for state action in the face of what he called "federal inaction and Donald Trump's aggressive rollback of safety regulations."