Opinion: Data centers' resource consumption debated in Maryland
A guest commentary in the Baltimore Sun argues that data centers are unfairly targeted by critics in Maryland regarding their resource consumption. It cites data from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance to show minimal water and electricity usage by data centers in the state. The author warns that policies restricting data centers could impede Maryland's technological leadership and economic growth.
In a guest commentary published by the Baltimore Sun, Ross Marchand, executive director of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA), asserts that data centers are unfairly maligned regarding their impact on resources and communities in Maryland. Marchand contends that cities and counties across the state, including Prince George’s County and Baltimore City, are introducing new regulations and moratoriums based on what he describes as misinformation.
Marchand specifically references Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, who is advocating for legislation to address data center impacts on the electric grid and communities. He also highlights concerns from Prince George’s County policymakers regarding regional water supply and notes Baltimore City's recently enacted one-year moratorium on data centers due to water and electricity concerns. Countering these claims, the TPA's analysis indicates that data centers account for a mere 0.06% of Maryland's water consumption and 2.5% of its electricity consumption in 2025.
The commentary argues that restricting or banning new data center facilities would jeopardize Maryland's economic gains and technological leadership, potentially pushing development to countries with fewer environmental and security safeguards. Marchand emphasizes the industry's advancements in efficiency and sustainability, advocating for policies that encourage innovation and responsible development rather than embracing what he terms "alarmist rhetoric."
He further points to the significant economic benefits data centers bring, such as high-paying jobs and substantial contributions to local tax bases, citing Loudoun County, Virginia, where data centers generated 38% of the county's revenue in 2025.