Gov. Wes Moore signs executive order regulating data centers in Maryland
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a state task force and five-point accountability framework for data center development. The framework requires developers to cover utility and infrastructure costs, disclose projected power and water use, engage communities, provide workforce opportunities, and address environmental impacts.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing the Maryland Data Center Accountability Task Force as the state’s central coordinator for reviewing data center projects. The order creates a five-point framework requiring developers to pay their own utility and infrastructure costs, provide jobs and training, notify communities before decisions are made, protect water and air resources, and publicly disclose project commitments through a dashboard.
Moore said the action responds to concerns that a 2020 tax exemption allowed data centers to consume large amounts of electricity and water while shifting costs and pollution risks to Maryland residents. He also said his administration will work with the Maryland General Assembly to repeal the existing data center tax exemption. Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox criticized Moore, arguing that data center development could threaten Maryland farmland.