Moore says he would ‘absolutely sign’ statewide data center moratorium
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Thursday he would sign a statewide moratorium on new data center construction if such a bill reached his desk in 2027. His comment, made in response to a question from Punchbowl News reporter Mikenzie Frost, aligns him with other governors and officials who have recently advocated pauses on new data center development.
Why It Matters
Data center construction has become a contentious policy issue in several states due to concerns about land use, water and power demands, and local impacts; a governor's willingness to approve a statewide moratorium would shape how those development pressures are handled at the state level.
Key Facts
- Statement: Gov. Wes Moore said he would "absolutely sign" a statewide data center moratorium if presented with such a bill.
- Timing: Moore's remark was made on a Thursday in response to a question about a potential 2027 bill.
- Source of question: The question was posed by Mikenzie Frost of Punchbowl News.
- Context: Moore's position places him alongside other governors and elected officials calling for a freeze on new data center development.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said on Thursday that he would sign a statewide moratorium on new data center construction if a bill imposing such a freeze reached his desk. The remark came during an exchange with Punchbowl News reporter Mikenzie Frost, who asked whether Moore would approve a moratorium should legislation arrive in 2027.
Moore answered affirmatively, saying he would "absolutely sign" the measure. He framed his stance as consistent with a growing number of governors and elected officials who have recently advocated for pausing new data center projects.
Advocates for moratoria cite a range of concerns — including strains on local infrastructure, water and energy resources, and land-use impacts — that have driven political debate about where and how data centers should be sited. Moore's readiness to approve a statewide pause would mean Maryland could join other states considering limits on new development if the legislature advances such a bill.
No specific bill text, legislative sponsors, or timetable for filing were provided in the exchange quoted by Punchbowl News. Moore's comment simply represents his stated intent should a moratorium measure be passed by the Maryland General Assembly and sent to his office in 2027.
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