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Maryland Governor Wes Moore Defends Data Center Strategy Amid Growing Local Moratoriums and Republican Criticism

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is advocating for a balanced approach to data center development, emphasizing that local jurisdictions should have the final say on where these facilities are built. While many counties across the state have enacted temporary moratoriums to study environmental and infrastructure impacts, Moore maintains that the state should avoid the rapid development seen in Virginia. Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox criticized the administration for accepting a $12,000 donation from the owner of TeraWulf, a hyperscale developer, and subsequently supporting a project in Charles County. Cox argued for a statewide moratorium to allow for better research. In response, Moore noted that the federal government under President Trump has impacted the state economy by restricting federal aid. Moore highlighted his administration's commitment to presenting balanced budgets and improving state metrics, such as reducing Baltimore's homicide rate. He argued that data centers should be required to bring their own energy and pay for infrastructure improvements while meeting strict environmental regulations.

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