MD HB1411

Owners/operators of large-scale data centers (20+ megawatt demand) must submit disclosure reports to state agencies and local officials at least 60 days before applying for permits or financial incentives, detailing electricity usage, water consumption, emissions, noise levels, and community benefits.

Local jurisdictions with 10,000+ residents must adopt large-scale data center plans by June 30, 2027, including siting guidelines that consider underserved communities, agricultural land, rural legacy areas, and proximity to schools and medical facilities.

State agencies are prohibited from providing grants, loans, or other financial assistance to large-scale data center owners unless the operator has filed required disclosure reports and the local jurisdiction has adopted a compliant data center plan with implementing zoning regulations.

Disclosure reports must include projected daily and peak electricity usage in megawatts, greenhouse gas emissions estimates, backup generator details, cooling system water requirements, and noise levels at 0.25-mile, 0.50-mile, and 1.0-mile distances from the property.

Sales and use tax exemptions for qualified data center equipment will require large-scale data centers to demonstrate compliance with disclosure requirements and local zoning plan adoption before receiving certification from the Department of Commerce.