The data center wars are heating up in Maryland.
Why it matters: When DMV residents think of data centers — and the opposition to them — they likely think of Northern Virginia, home to the world’s biggest collection and much local pushback against their spread.
- But more data center projects are being proposed and built in Maryland as the country rushes to keep up with demands for data storage, streaming and AI use.
The big picture: Maryland sees data centers as a way to bring money in as it wrestles with a $1.4 billion deficit.
- Gov. Wes Moore has made industry-friendly moves such as vetoing a bill calling for a study on their environmental impacts and signing another that makes it easier for them to use backup generators.
Context: Maryland’s proximity to the robust fiber connectivity network that helped power NoVa’s market makes the state attractive to the industry…