Maryland Governor Signed Data Center Rules
Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order establishing a new state task force to oversee large data center proposals.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Data Centers
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Should your state government implement stricter regulatory oversight for new large-scale data center projects?
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on September 23, 2026, to standardize the oversight of large-scale data center development across the state. The move establishes a task force tasked with managing a new transparency dashboard and reviewing projects for environmental and community impact.
Why it matters
The order seeks to balance the state's growing digital infrastructure needs with ratepayer protections, environmental safeguards, and public transparency. It creates a centralized review process for major developments requiring state support or permits.
The new regulations apply specifically to all data center proposals with a capacity of 25 megawatts or more. These projects must now undergo a unified review process and be cataloged in a public Data Center Dashboard.
The players
Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the current Governor of Maryland.
Maryland Data Center Task Force
The Maryland Data Center Task Force is a newly established state body responsible for overseeing rules and project transparency.
The details
Governor Moore also declared his support for repealing the Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption, a policy originally enacted in 2020. The newly created Maryland Data Center Task Force will evaluate future proposals based on economic benefits, community input, and energy ratepayer protection.
Timeline
The Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption was first enacted in 2020.
Governor Wes Moore signed the executive order on September 23, 2026.
The Tech Race
This policy marks a reversal of the state's previous approach defined by the 2020 Data Center Sales and Use Tax Exemption. By scrutinizing these facilities, Maryland is shifting away from broad tax incentives toward more rigorous, centralized regulatory oversight.
Residents may see changes in how large infrastructure projects are approved, with a new emphasis on community empowerment and environmental safeguards. The potential repeal of tax exemptions could also influence the state's future fiscal policy regarding digital development.
The takeaway
The executive order reflects a growing trend of states prioritizing transparency over unrestricted development in the energy-intensive tech sector. Readers should monitor future legislative sessions to see if the proposed tax exemption repeal gains formal approval.
Further reading
For more on the industry, visit Data Centers.
Live Poll
Should your state government implement stricter regulatory oversight for new large-scale data center projects?
