Maryland Sets Statewide Review Rules for Data Centers

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing a statewide review process for large data center proposals, while stopping short of a moratorium. He also called on lawmakers to repeal a 2020 law granting data centers sales and use tax exemptions. Moore said the order creates one process for reviewing proposed projects, covering state permits, incentives and public letters of support. It also establishes a task force to review projects and a public dashboard intended to show proposals and their expected effects, including projected electricity and water use. According to an account of Moore’s remarks, the order’s principles include encouraging local hiring, preventing projects from straining the electric grid and giving residents near proposed sites more influence in the process. The announcement did not set out clear enforcement details, leaving the order’s practical reach uncertain. The sources did not report that any projects had been reviewed under the new process. The order does not impose a statewide pause on data center development.