The Maryland General Assembly overrode Governor Moore's veto (Senate 44-0, House 111-24), enacting a law requiring a comprehensive environmental and economic analysis of data center expansion. The report is due September 2026 and must examine the cumulative impact of data center growth on electricity generation needs, grid capacity, water resource demands, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Louisiana's LPSC adopted the 'Lightning Amendment,' which shortens the review process for large-load electricity connections to 8 months. The amendment allows utilities to bypass least-cost power demonstration requirements, requires a 15-year electric service agreement, proof of 50% self-generation capacity, and payment of all interconnection costs. Critics argue the amendment was designed to fast-track data center connections at the expense of ratepayer protections.