Data Centers in Maryland: Opportunity, Pressure, and Policy 

Data centers are a growing and complex issues, policymakers need to make decisions about balancing energy, growth, and environmental concerns. 

Regulating data centers presents a difficult balancing act for counties. While these facilities can bring significant investment and economic development opportunities, they also raise complex local concerns around energy demand, infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts, and community compatibility. Counties are often on the front lines of managing these impacts, but many of the key decisions are shaped at the state, regional, or federal level. As a result, counties must work to ensure responsible siting, clear standards, and meaningful community protections while still allowing room for innovation and growth.

Title: Data Centers in Maryland: Opportunity, Pressure, and Policy 

Description: Data centers are emerging as one of the most consequential economic development, infrastructure, and land use issues facing Maryland counties. This forum will bring together state, local, and industry perspectives to examine how counties can balance the significant opportunities data centers may offer while managing concerns around energy, water, and community impacts. Panelists will discuss the evolving data center landscape, the role of county governments in siting and permitting decisions, and the policy tools needed to support sustainable development across Maryland. 

Speakers: 

  • Michael R. Turner, Vice Chair & Supervisor, Loudon County Board of Supervisors
  • Michael Kuykendall, Executive Vice President, Catellus 
  • Rebecca Rehr, Director of Climate Policy and Justice, League of Conservation Voters 
  • Deb Carpenter, Director of the Division of Planning & Permitting, Deb Carpenter, Frederick County Division of Planning & Permitting  

Moderator: The Honorable Katie Fry Hester, Maryland Senate

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 

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