Battles Over Data Centers Intensify in the Maryland State House and Communities
Across Maryland, activists and data center supporters are battling over where and how proposed facilities will be built. Meanwhile, in the State House, lawmakers this session debated how to regulate them and the possible impact they could have on the electric grid.
By IAN FERRIS
Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (April 21, 2026)—Taylor Frazier McCollum had never been deeply involved in local politics until she learned of plans for a data center at the site of the former Landover Mall. She started a petition to fight the proposal and just two weeks after posting it on Instagram, more than 20,000 people signed it.
Frazier McCollum, whose family lives less than a mile from the site in Prince George’s County, said she’s worried about the noise, light and environmental impacts, which she called “war weapons.”
“We already deal with so many issues with pollution and things of that nature inside the Beltway,’’ Frazier McCollum said. “It would be unfortunate to bring even more of that to our community.”
Across Maryland, activists and data center supporters are battling over where and how proposed facilities will be built. Meanwhile, in the State House, lawmakers this session debated how to regulate them and the possible impact they could have on the electric grid. State Democratic leaders, including Gov. Wes Moore, have backed efforts to govern them.
“I’m not saying data centers shouldn’t be built in Maryland, but if they are going to be built, we need more safeguards,” said Del. Julie Palakovich Carr, D-Montgomery.
At least 17 bills related to data centers were introduced this session, according to the Maryland General Assembly. Of those, only two passed.
One of the bills, the Utility RELIEF Act, aims to hold utilities and data centers accountable, strengthen the long-term reliability of the state’s energy system and expand clean energy, said House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, who introduced the legislation.
“Electric demand is rising rapidly—driven in part by the growth of data centers and the digital economy,” Peña-Melnyk, D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, said at a press conference in March.
The legislature passed the bill Monday. It was sent to Moore who will sign it into law, according to his office.
Lawmakers want “real path” for data centers
Moore has said that he would support data center projects if they hire local workers and support their own power needs.
“Data centers are done dictating what rules they will follow,’’ Moore told reporters Monday. “Under this law, data centers will pay for the grid upgrades that they need, and not the people of the state of Maryland.”
The bill would also expand which data centers qualify as a “large load customer,” an entity with high energy demands and subject to stricter regulations.
The bill also incentivizes data centers to bring their own new clean energy, adhere to an energy efficiency program and give some protection to ratepayers, Mariah Davis of the Marylanders for Data Center Reform Coalition, said during a webinar earlier this month.
The coalition and some lawmakers supported other bills that would have further regulated data centers, including one proposed by Palakovich Carr that aimed to repeal tax exemptions for data centers.
Del. Lorig Charkoudian, D-Montgomery, had introduced legislation she said would have allowed “good” data centers that create their own power to “jump ahead in the line” of data centers to be built. Some of the language in her bill was included in the energy legislation.
There’s a “real path” for getting the “good stuff” out of data centers without harming communities, the planet or ratepayers, Charkoudian said.
‘We’re going to be in for a fight’
Supporters of data centers point to economic benefits.
Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, said some benefits of data centers include job creation, local tax revenue, the likelihood of innovation and the importance “to move forward in a technology-centered society.”
The council has promoted data centers through its coalition, the Data Center Alliance of Maryland.
Schulz said the council’s goal is “to educate people on what actually happens in the data center world,” and help them understand “the good, positive things that do come out of data centers.”
Elizabeth Bauer, a community activist in Frederick County, called the council’s position that property values near data centers rise “hogwash.”
“I just can’t imagine that having a data center near your house is going to increase your property value,” she said.
Bauer said state legislators should consider more than just generating revenue. “It’s all about the revenue, but they’re not paying any attention to the expenses that go along with it,” she said.
Frederick County issued an ordinance in January allowing data centers to be built on rural legacy and priority preservation land, according to Bauer. Bauer and Envision, an activist group, organized a petition to allow citizens to vote on the ordinance. The petition has more than 20,000 signatures, according to Envision’s website.
“Our farmers are being attacked in so many ways by the state of Maryland,” Bauer said.
Schulz, who said she was placed on a work group for an ongoing data center construction project in Frederick County, said the local government will reap benefits.
The county “will receive estimated amounts of over $200 million annually in tax revenues from that one project,” she said. That’s about 40% of the county’s overall budget, she said.
Bauer said she expects a legal battle with Frederick County over the referendum.
“We’re going to be in for a fight,” she said.
Meanwhile, Frazier McCollum, the activist from Prince George’s County, said she wants politicians to pay attention to the 23,000 people who signed her petition.
“We are going to use our voting power to vote for those that support our cause, which is to put a moratorium or ban data centers for a longer period of time statewide,” she said.
Sam Gauntt contributed to this report.
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Laurel Historical Society Presents “Saddle Up, Laurel: 115+ Years of Laurel Park Racing” Exhibit
Exhibit Runs May 1–31, 2026
By PRESS OFFICER
Laurel Historical Society
In celebration of Preakness 151 coming to Laurel Park on May 16, the Laurel Historical Society (LHS) is creating a special exhibit, “Saddle Up, Laurel: 115+ Years of Laurel Park Racing.” This temporary exhibit will be on display in the City of Laurel Municipal Center from May 1 to May 31, 2026.
The exhibit provides a glimpse into the history of horse racing in Maryland and explores the 115-year-long history of Laurel Park, beginning with its inception at the 1911 Four County Fair, the many improvements and changes made by the owners, and the tumultuous years before it was saved for future use. Visitors will learn about the recognizable faces and names that have graced the track, such as Elizabeth Taylor and the Aga Khan, while discovering more about those who make up the diverse backstretch community, including famous trainers and horses. Additionally, visitors will find out more about the relationship between the city and the race track, with displays featuring local businesses that depended on and supported Laurel Park.
Check out the exhibition in person at the City of Laurel Municipal Center (8103 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD 20707) throughout the month of May to view a display of racing artifacts from the LHS collection. Objects showcased include a program from the first Washington, DC International Race, a jockey’s leather racing brassard from A.M. Kroop & Sons, historic photos, and more!
The exhibit will be complemented by a new online exhibit that features a more in-depth look at the history of racing, its people, and impact on Laurel. The exhibit is an update to the LHS’s 2011 exhibit celebrating Laurel Park’s 100th Anniversary, “And They’re Off: 100 Years of Laurel Racing.” Take a look online at www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org starting May 1 to view additional materials related to Laurel Park, such as educational videos and unseen panels.
The Laurel Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1975 with the mission to deepen the understanding of the past and cultural heritage of Laurel, Maryland to connect and inspire, for today and the future. To learn more please visit laurelhistoricalsociety.org.
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PGCPS Launches “Attendance Ambassador Program” to Combat Chronic Absenteeism Through Community Partnership
By PRESS OFFICER
PGCPS
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (April 27, 2026)—Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) officially launched its new Attendance Ambassador Program today during a news conference at Andrew Jackson Academy. The community-driven initiative aims to reduce chronic absenteeism by fostering a shared responsibility among families, educators, and local partners to ensure every student is present, engaged, and prepared for success.
The launch comes at a time of significant momentum for the district. Andrew Jackson Academy, the site of today’s announcement, has seen an attendance increase of 5.5% since 2022. This mirrors a district-wide trend of progress where chronic absenteeism dropped from 30% to 27.4% over the last year. Despite these gains, district officials emphasize that the Attendance Ambassador Program is vital to further accelerating this progress.
The Attendance Ambassador Program brings together a diverse coalition, including business leaders, faith-based organizations, nonprofit partners, law enforcement, county representatives, parents, and students.
Joining the launch were County Executive Aisha Braveboy, State’s Attorney Tara Jackson, district leaders, students, parents and community partners.
“Absenteeism is not a behavior problem,” said Interim Superintendent Shawn Joseph. “It is a signal that a child may be struggling or that a family may need support. As a system and a community, we must respond differently. The launch of the Attendance Ambassador initiative signals our collective commitment to support our children and families.”
Participants in the program signed a pledge card today, committing to serve as visible champions for the message that “Every Day Counts.” Attendance Ambassadors have committed to:
• Champion Attendance: Promoting it as a key driver of academic success.
• Leverage Influence: Using their voices and services to encourage families to prioritize daily attendance.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Working alongside schools to address attendance challenges with empathy and coordination.
• Remove Barriers: Supporting strategies and partnerships that create clear pathways for students to attend school consistently.
The district believes that regular, on-time attendance is a powerful predictor of student success. By expanding this network of community champions, PGCPS intends to move beyond traditional discipline, instead focusing on empathy-based solutions that address the root causes of why students miss school.
“Our children’s success is the foundation of our county’s future,” said County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “The Attendance Ambassador Program isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about wraparound support. By bringing together faith leaders, businesses, and families, we are creating a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and motivated to show up.”
State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said, “Real public safety starts long before a crime occurs; it begins with prevention, early intervention, and keeping young people connected to school and opportunity. Showing up matters, because when students stay engaged, we strengthen families, build accountability, and help change life trajectories to create safer communities.”
To learn more about becoming an Attendance Ambassador, go to https://www.pgcps.org/offices/student-services/attendance-awareness/attendance-ambassador
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