Annapolis, MD — Today, a key House committee held a hearing on a bill that would require all new in-state data center developments to be co-located with gas or nuclear plants. If passed HB 120 would lead to substantial new dirty energy buildout and increased health and environmental problems related to data centers. The hearing comes after a report that Maryland is falling behind on its state-mandated emissions reductions goals. Maryland committed to reducing emissions 60% by 2031; current projections estimate a 42% reduction.

“As if Marylanders weren’t already facing serious hardships, their legislators are now also trying to curse their communities with higher electricity bills and more poisonous pollution. This bill should be dead on arrival,” said Jorge Aguilar, Southern Regional Director for Food & Water Watch. “What we need is a true moratorium that pumps the brakes on data center development by studying how they will impact water usage, air quality, electricity bills, and e-waste.”

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Food & Water Watch analysis finds that, by 2028, projected nationwide AI-driven data center demand could consume enough electricity to power over 28 million American households — nearly 12x the amount of households in Maryland as of 2024.

“Hyperscale data centers are causing an affordability crisis that may be with us for decades while also encouraging the states to enact protective measures. State and local governments should also consider placing temporary moratoriums on new data center projects until baseline protections and guardrails are put in place,” said Dave Arndt, Co-Chair of Climate Justice Wing.  “Unfortunately, this bill leaves the door open for gas fired power plants, which will exacerbate the affordability issues compounded with acceleration of climate and environmental issues.”

If HB0120 became law, data centers would be co-located with dirty power plants, increasing both their health impacts and environmental harms. Data centers also contribute to skyrocketing electricity costs; lawmakers warn that a buildout could increase people’s monthly electricity bills by $70.

Over 250+ organizations have signed an open letter demanding Congressional action on halting data center buildout.