Pins matching date:2026-01-14

Maryland HB 120 (Dels. Fisher, Chisholm, Morgan, Szeliga - all R) would prohibit any person or government unit from constructing or approving construction of a data center until the General Assembly enacts companion co-location legislation tying data centers to new or existing power generation (natural gas, nuclear, or SMRs). Scheduled for committee hearing in early February 2026. Maryland has no cohesive statewide policy; January 2026 reporting indicates additional proposals for PSC operating certificate requirements for large data centers. The Department of Environment, Maryland Energy Administration, and University of Maryland School of Business will produce a data center impact study by September 1, 2026 (climate study bill became law via veto override). HB 560 (separate, Del. Palakovich Karr D) would repeal data center sales/use and property tax exemptions. VERIFIED 2026-05-26: HB 120 (moratorium tying data centers to co-located generation) did not advance out of House Environment & Transportation; MD sine die Apr 13, 2026. The omnibus Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532) was the surviving vehicle.

SB 235 (Microgrid Oversight Act) would have required the Public Regulation Commission to develop rules for any microgrid producing more than 20 MW, granted regulators oversight over approval and operation of microgrids, and required proof of ability to meet state renewable energy standards for microgrids coming online after May 2026. The bill passed the New Mexico Senate 22-20 but did not advance in the House before the session ended, effectively dying. The bill was motivated by concerns about data center 'microgrids' circumventing the state's Energy Transition Act requirements, particularly regarding Project Jupiter in Dona Ana County.