Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) has signaled he would approve a statewide freeze on new data center development, adding his voice to a growing chorus of state leaders demanding tighter controls on the booming industry. In an interview with Punchbowl News, Moore was asked whether he would sign such a moratorium if it reached his desk in 2027. His response was unambiguous: “Yes.”
Moore emphasized that local jurisdictions should retain authority over data center siting, but he made clear that state approval would come with strict conditions. “I believe that local jurisdictions should have say and they should not be told nor dictated,” he said, adding that he has “very strict guidelines” for what would earn state backing. He reiterated, “I will absolutely sign it.”
Thirteen of Maryland’s 24 counties and Baltimore City have already enacted temporary bans on data center construction, including Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, which border the District of Columbia. Residents in those areas have raised concerns about rising housing costs and utility bills linked to the energy-intensive facilities.
Moore, who faces reelection in November against Republican Dan Cox, has previously urged data centers to bring their own power generation and meet environmental standards, leaving most decisions to local officials, as reported by Maryland Matters in August.
The push for moratoriums is not limited to Maryland. In New Mexico, gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland (D) announced her support for a freeze, citing environmental impacts and the need to protect residents from soaring energy costs. She called for data centers to build their own renewable energy infrastructure. New Mexico currently hosts 21 operational data centers, with several more in the pipeline.
At the federal level, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) blocked a Republican-led bill that would have encouraged states to require tech companies to cover increased electricity costs. Heinrich argued that voluntary measures are insufficient, stating, “Rather than voluntary pledges or suggestions to states, Congress needs to pass real legislation with real teeth.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has taken a different tack, directing the Texas Water Development Board to penalize data centers that fail to comply with state water reporting requirements, potentially losing permits.
President Trump has voiced support for data centers paying their own utility costs, a stance that has gained bipartisan traction. However, he criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) for imposing a statewide moratorium, calling it a mistake that could cede technological leadership to China. “Data Centers are tremendous WINS for the States and Communities that are lucky enough to get them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
As the debate intensifies, states are wrestling with how to balance economic growth with environmental and community impacts. For more on these tensions, see how to build data centers without harming local communities. Meanwhile, Texas's enforcement approach offers a contrast to moratoriums, and Heinrich's Senate maneuver underscores the federal gridlock.
