Maryland data centers face new rules under Gov. Wes Moore executive order

Tinashe Chingarande, The Baltimore Sun on Sep 23, 2026

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BALTIMORE — Gov. Wes Moore on Wednesday signed an executive order setting new guidelines that companies should follow when building data centers in Maryland, including a standardized review process and new state oversight of projects.

The Moore administration said the changes are intended to address concerns about transparency, environmental impacts and potential effects on rising electricity costs.

The order will apply to data centers that cover 25 megawatts or more, creating a single state standard and review process for projects seeking permits, state incentives or letters of support, according to the order.

It also creates the Maryland Data Center Task Force, which will review every covered data center project and maintain the Data Center Dashboard, an online platform that tracks data center development. The task force will include members from the Maryland Energy Administration and state Departments of Commerce, Labor, Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Planning.

“We are establishing clear safeguards to ensure Marylanders do not foot the bill, our people benefit, community voices are heard, and our environment is protected — all while centering transparency and accountability throughout the process,” Moore said in a statement.

Moore’s order comes as Baltimore County said it will extend its pause on data center development through the end of 2027, giving county officials more than a year to continue weighing community concerns and potential guardrails on the facilities.

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