Maryland Sets AI Guardrails as States Confront Data Center Boom
Maryland is tightening its rules for data centers, joining a growing number of states pushing back on the industry's rapid growth.
Maryland has introduced new regulations to govern the development of large data centers, joining a growing number of states addressing the industry's increasing demand for power, water, and land. Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order on Wednesday, establishing a statewide framework for projects of 25 megawatts or more. These projects must undergo a standardized review of their impact on the electric grid, water supplies, communities, and the state's economy.
The order also creates a task force to review projects and establishes a public dashboard to disclose project details, such as location, developer, electricity demand, water use, approvals, and the task force's determination. Maryland is facing a debate about how to handle the growing demand for data center facilities. Texas, on the other hand, has chosen to halt permits for new data centers until regulators complete audits of the industry's electricity and water demands.
Both states illustrate the various approaches policymakers are considering to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence-driven data center development.
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