Moore Signs Executive Order Setting New Rules for Maryland Data Centers
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing new statewide rules for large data centers that consume at least 25 megawatts of power. A new state task force will review proposed projects based on five criteria, including electricity grid protection, environmental impact, and community input. The Governor also plans to work with lawmakers to repeal the state's data center sales and use tax exemption next year.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has implemented new statewide regulations for large data centers with an executive order signed on Wednesday. The order creates a state task force tasked with reviewing proposed data center projects that utilize a minimum of 25 megawatts of power, particularly when these projects seek state permits, incentives, or other support.
The task force will evaluate projects across five key areas: safeguarding electricity ratepayers and the power grid, assessing economic benefits, incorporating community input, ensuring environmental protections, and maintaining transparency. It will issue a public determination for each project, and a new online dashboard will track proposed data centers, detailing their expected electricity and water consumption.
In addition to these regulatory changes, Governor Moore announced plans to collaborate with state lawmakers next year to repeal Maryland's existing data center sales and use tax exemption. Despite the new state-level oversight, local governments will retain the ultimate authority on whether to approve individual data center projects.