Energy
Maryland governor says he would sign statewide data center moratorium
PN Team • 2 months ago
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said Thursday he would "absolutely sign" a statewide moratorium on new data center development if it reached his desk, though he stressed local jurisdictions should retain say over such decisions. Thirteen of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions, including Baltimore and Montgomery and Prince George's counties, have already imposed temporary bans amid resident concerns over housing and utility costs.
Moore's comments add to a growing wave of pushback against data center expansion tied to the AI boom. New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland also backed a moratorium, citing environmental concerns and calling for centers to build their own renewable power. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed regulators to penalize data centers violating water-use rules. At the federal level, Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked a GOP bill on data center electricity costs, calling it insufficient. President Trump has urged data centers to cover their own power and water costs but criticized New York's moratorium, warning it risks losing AI investment to China.
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Sentiment
- Wes Moore Moore is depicted as responsive to resident concerns while balancing local autonomy, a generally favorable portrayal.
- New Mexico New Mexico is mentioned only as the location tied to a gubernatorial candidate's stance, a neutral tangential reference.
- Maryland Maryland is the factual setting of the moratorium debate without clear reputational spin.