MarylandMarylandExecutive orderEO 01.01.2026.16

Responsible Data Center Development in Maryland

Sets state requirements for large data center proposals on ratepayer protection, community engagement, public developer commitments and transparency.

In forceIntroducedCommitteeFloorLaw

Signed by Governor Wes Moore, effective immediatelySep 23 7 weeks ago

Body: Governor of Maryland
Session: 2026
Introduced: Sep 23
In effect since: Sep 237 weeks ago
Sponsors: D (Democrat)Democrat
Topics: Data centers

Official page Source: Office of Governor Wes Moore, executive orders

Timeline

Sep 23 7 weeks ago
Signed by the governor, effective immediately

Sponsors

D (Democrat)Wes Moore

MarylandSB 116

Data Center Impact Analysis and Report

Requires state agencies and the University of Maryland to analyze the environmental, energy and economic impacts of data center development and report to the General Assembly; cross-filed with HB 270.

In forceDec 16, 2025

New Jerseyunverified

Data Center Water and Energy Reporting Act

The law requires data centers to report their water and energy use to state energy regulators every six months.

EnactedNov 6

United Kingdomunverified

British Data Centre Covenant

The UK government unveiled a covenant setting local job, community investment, and water protection standards for data centers seeking faster grid connections.

ProposedOct 29

United States (federal)unverified

Ratepayer Protection Act

The bill would require state utility regulators to consider whether large electricity users, including data centers, are driving up costs for other ratepayers.

Passed one chamberOct 6

CaliforniaSB 887

CEQA: Data Centers and Geothermal Projects

Bars CEQA categorical exemptions for data center projects and lets the governor certify qualifying data center projects as environmental leadership development projects.

EnactedSep 21

CaliforniaSB 1168

Data Centers: Rate Structures

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to assess rate structures so that data centers pay a reasonable share of transmission, distribution and procurement costs tied to their loads.