Maryland creates statewide oversight for large data centers (25 MW+) via executive order

On Sep 23 2026, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order establishing statewide guardrails for data centers that require 25 megawatts or more when seeking a state permit, incentive, or letter of support. The order creates the Maryland Data Center Task Force (Energy Administration plus Commerce, Labor, Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Planning) to review covered projects against five principles (ratepayer/grid protection, economic benefits, community voice, environmental protections, transparency) and to rate projects aligned, conditionally aligned, or not aligned. It also directs a public Data Center Dashboard updated monthly with developer, location, projected power and water use, and requested state actions. Local reporting (WBAL, FOX Baltimore); not a construction moratorium. The administration also said it will seek repeal of a 2020 data-center sales-and-use tax exemption.

Maryland creates statewide oversight for large data centers (25 MW+) via executive order is recorded as a operational_restriction applying in Maryland on the DEPLOY registry.

Maryland creates statewide oversight for large data centers (25 MW+) via executive order is recorded as effective September 23, 2026 on the DEPLOY registry.

Maryland creates statewide oversight for large data centers (25 MW+) via executive order is currently in effect and applies to covered operators in the named jurisdiction.

Maryland creates statewide oversight for large data centers (25 MW+) via executive order is recorded as cross-cutting on the DEPLOY registry, meaning it does not single out one robot form factor. Operators of any covered robot type in Maryland should review the underlying primary sources for applicability.