Annapolis, MD — Today, Governor Wes Moore announced an executive order aimed at regulating data center development and removing tax incentives for developers. The announcement comes nearly a week after the governor said he would sign a moratorium bill into law.

During the conference this morning, Moore walked through the five main points of his plan, though the announcement was short on clear enforcement details. Notably, the announcement did not mention a moratorium or a repeal of diesel generator exemptions for data centers that Moore signed into law in 2024. It also did not address provisions to fast track fracked gas and nuclear power generation included in Next Generation Energy Act of 2025.

In response, Jorge Aguilar, Southern Regional Director with Food & Water Watch, issued the following:

“It’s clear Governor Moore has seen the widespread data center backlash and joined the wave of governors who are taking action. This framework puts Maryland solidly in the middle of the pack since it falls short of a true moratorium plan.
  “We’re glad the governor is pledging to roll back the tax exemptions and wants to regulate this wild industry, but he needs to immediately repeal the waivers granted for dirty, polluting backup generators and the fast tracking measures Moore approved for new gas and nuclear plants for the data centers.

“Maryland can rise above and set a national precedent by passing a data center moratorium. Moore’s announcement is a step in the right direction, it’s not the full leap to action Maryland needs. The framework Moore announced seems rushed and not fully vetted. The only way to truly protect Marylanders is for the General Assembly to pass a statewide moratorium that gives time to meaningfully assess if — not how — regulations can truly protect communities and the environment.”