If we truly want to understand the full impacts of data center development on Marylanders and our environment, State Lawmakers must override Governor Moore’s veto of the Data Center Study Bill. Nature Forward urges you and all of our members to write and call your elected officials to urge them to override that veto.
In a legislative session that was challenging for environmental issues, having the House and Senate agree on the importance of the Data Center Study Bill was a huge victory. However, Governor Wes Moore vetoed the measure, effectively keeping us in the dark about the true impact of these colossal infrastructure projects. While the budget concerns expressed by Governor Moore are valid, it is hard to see how eliminating a study bill that represents less than 0.00019% of Maryland’s budget makes sense. We are deeply disappointed by the governor’s veto, but all is not lost. State lawmakers can overturn this veto, and we are calling on our legislators to represent us by doing just that. Now, we need YOUR voice in this fight.
Urge your Representatives to Override the Governor’s Veto
CHEVY CHASE, MD – Nature Forward issued the following statement in response to Gov. Moore’s veto of critical data center and climate measures:
Nature Forward is deeply disappointed in Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s veto of critical environmental and social justice bills including the Data Center Study Bill. Maryland was supposed to be a leader on climate change and environmental justice. Instead, the governor’s veto of the Data Center Study Bill puts us at a disadvantage when it comes to our climate goals.
It’s clear that data centers are here to stay; however, questions remain regarding the impacts these developments have on communities. Many of these projects require a large amount of infrastructure and are built close to neighborhoods, schools, and farms.
Governor Moore has repeatedly committed himself to being a leader on climate change and environmental justice. By vetoing these bills, he is missing an important opportunity to address an issue that impacts every Maryland resident. The governor claims that his veto of the Data Center Study Bill was largely due to General Fund budget concerns. While we understand the tight fiscal environment that we are currently mired in, approximately half of the Bill’s modest cost would have been funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF), the directive of which is to “reduce energy bills and energy waste, improve reliability and resiliency, address global climate change concerns, create jobs, and more.”
Maryland ratepayers are already facing rising electricity bills. The Piedmont Reliability Project is expected to cost Maryland residents an estimated $800 million. With unchecked regulation in place, data center development will continue to raise costs for families.
The Statehouse has a fiduciary responsibility to spend our tax dollars wisely to protect and improve the lives of all Marylanders, not just out-of-state corporations. As we move toward a world that is more reliant on technology, it is important that we understand the full scope and impacts of these issues. If the state is unwilling to invest and pay for a study, then who will?
Without the Data Center Study Bill, it will be impossible to understand their effects on communities and the environment. Not knowing the real cost of unchecked data center development is too dangerous.
Nature Forward will continue to advocate for data center regulations in Maryland that protect its land and its communities. Considering the governor’s action, it’s clear we need to do even more. We are proud to announce the formation of a Maryland Data Center Reform Coalition. Data Centers – Nature Forward
About Nature Forward: Throughout its history, Nature Forward, first established in 1897 as the Audubon Society of the District of Columbia, has championed nature for all by playing a pivotal role in conserving our region’s iconic natural places from development including the C&O Canal, Dyke Marsh and, most recently, Ten Mile Creek. Past member and board president, Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, is credited with launching the now global environmental movement. Nature Forward’s nature experts provide hundreds of opportunities each year for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, learn about, and protect the environment.
