Governor Moore Issues Executive Order on Data Centers

New Framework and Agency Taskforce are a Step in the Right Direction for Data Center Threats and Transparency in Maryland

Today, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order to clarify oversight requirements and increase public transparency on all new data center proposals in Maryland. The announcement outlined a new framework that state agencies will use to evaluate the impacts of data centers. The framework’s principles include limits on water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, stormwater pollution discharges, and other potential threats that new data centers can pose to the environment and public. The order also creates a multi-agency taskforce that will review all new proposals.

Many data center buildings use massive amounts of water and energy. This can lead to pollution and increased water consumption which harm rivers and streams, wildlife, and people who live nearby. Data center construction also often requires the loss of critical ecosystems like forests, farms, and wetlands.

Gov. Moore’s action follows recent data center executive orders from governors in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Virginia has the greatest concentration of data centers in the world. As these facilities spread, it’s critical that Maryland agencies hold developers and data center companies to the highest possible standards to protect its natural resources and people.

CBF’s Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement:

“Governor Moore’s order is a step in the right direction to ensure Maryland does not jeopardize our health, clean air, and clean water for the rapid growth of data centers. Data centers are a growing threat to our environment and communities, and are rightly a top concern for people who call Maryland home.

“The public deserves to know how much water and power these buildings will use, how much pollution they’ll produce, and what actions are being taken before and after construction to ensure sustainability and accountability. We appreciate the Moore administration’s attention to these concerns and commitment to creating one standard for project reviews across the state.

“Where, whether, and how to build data centers in Maryland remains a concern tied closely to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways. We will continue to work with Governor Moore and the General Assembly to ensure data center policies align with Maryland’s commitments to a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.”