Governor Wes Moore Sets New Guardrails for Maryland Data Centers

Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on September 23, 2026, establishing a statewide oversight framework for data center developments requiring 25 megawatts of power or more. The order creates the Maryland Data Center Task Force, which will evaluate projects based on five principles: protecting ratepayers and the electric grid, providing economic benefits, incorporating community input, protecting the environment, and ensuring transparency. Projects deemed Not Aligned with these goals may face delayed regulatory reviews and will be denied state letters of support.

To increase transparency, the order establishes a public dashboard to track power and water usage and prohibits state employees from signing nondisclosure agreements with developers. Moore also announced intentions to work with the Maryland General Assembly to repeal a 2020 sales and use tax exemption for data centers, stating that the industry must pay its own way to avoid burdening Maryland families with infrastructure costs.

Reactions were divided. Baltimore Gas and Electric praised the focus on customer protections, while the Chesapeake Climate Action Network called the move a positive step but continued to advocate for a statewide moratorium. Republican challenger Dan Cox dismissed the order as a political stunt and alleged Moore provided an unfair advantage to TeraWulf Inc. following campaign donations. Local jurisdictions are taking further action, with Calvert County extending its data center moratorium to two years and Charles County officials considering a total ban.