Moore, Cox Split on Maryland Data Center Development Strategy
Maryland's Governor Wes Moore and gubernatorial challenger Dan Cox hold opposing views on hyperscale data center development. Cox advocates for an immediate statewide moratorium, while Moore seeks strict developer requirements and preservation of local control. The debate highlights TeraWulf's proposed Charles County project, which Cox uses to allege political impropriety.
Maryland's gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Governor Wes Moore and challenger Dan Cox, articulated significantly different approaches to hyperscale data center development during the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference in Ocean City. Their debate centered on critical issues such as energy infrastructure, local governance, and economic development, signaling an emerging statewide policy discussion.
Dan Cox called for an immediate statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers, arguing for a pause to evaluate their impacts before allowing further projects. In contrast, Governor Moore rejected the development model seen in Virginia but did not support a blanket ban. Instead, Moore proposed implementing stringent requirements for data center developers, covering energy provision, infrastructure financing, local union labor utilization, and environmental compliance, while also affirming local governments' authority to approve or reject projects.
Cox specifically criticized TeraWulf's proposed data center at the former Morgantown coal-fired power plant site in Charles County. He drew attention to campaign finance records indicating contributions to Moore from TeraWulf's founder, alleging a scandal. While federal regulators approved the property acquisition between TeraWulf and GenOn Holdings, the Moore administration's involvement has included discussions of state assistance for natural gas infrastructure and environmental remediation, which Cox framed as problematic.
The divergence in policy reflects the broader challenges states face in balancing the economic benefits of data center investment with the demands on power grids, utility infrastructure, land use, and community impact. Moore's stance aims to establish conditions for development without a statewide ban, potentially shifting financial burdens to developers, while Cox's proposal seeks a full halt for re-evaluation.