Digging in on Data Centers at #MACoCon

Maryland leaders examine the opportunities, infrastructure demands, and local impacts of growing data center development.

Data centers are emerging as a major economic development opportunity for Maryland, but their growth also raises important questions around energy demand, infrastructure capacity, land use, water resources, and community impacts. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, Senator Ben Brooks moderated a standing room only panel with state, local, industry, and environmental leaders on how Maryland can support this growing sector while ensuring counties have the tools and information needed to plan for its effects.

  • Michael R. Turner, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors shared major lessons from one of the nation’s largest data center markets — including the local impacts of rapid industry growth.
  • Michael Kuykendall, Executive Vice President, Catellus offered thoughts from the development perspective — including what companies consider when evaluating sites, infrastructure, permitting, and opportunities for investment.
  • Rebecca Rehr, Director of Climate Policy and Justice, Maryland League of Conservation Voters discussed Maryland’s evolving data center landscape through the lens of climate, energy, and environmental policy — and how the state can accommodate growth while managing the pressures that come with it.
  • Deb Carpenter, Director, Frederick County Division of Planning & Permitting brought the county perspective to the data center conversation — examining the role of local planning, siting, permitting, infrastructure, and community considerations as projects progress.

The discussion highlighted the need for continued coordination among counties, the State, industry, utilities, and other stakeholders as Maryland considers how and where future data center development should occur.

More about MACo’s Summer Conference: