House special-orders study of data center impacts, citing $502,000 fiscal note

The Maryland House on Feb. 10 special-ordered a bill to study the state impacts of data centers, including grid demand, economic effects and environmental consequences. The committee and floor discussion clarified the study’s scope and a fiscal note estimate of $502,000 for the work.

Supporters described the bill as a neutral, statewide assessment to be conducted by the Maryland School of Business with industry experts; the study will analyze grid load implications and how distant builds — including cross-border connections — could affect Maryland’s districts. The House recorded the bill as special-ordered until the appropriate time tomorrow.

During floor questions, one delegate asked whether the study would examine situations like long transmission extensions into Virginia; the vice chair of the committee answered that the Public Service Commission would consider grid impacts, including how a data center’s draw would affect districts across the state. Lawmakers also confirmed that the fiscal note attached to the bill lists a study cost of $502,000.

A motion to special order the bill carried by voice vote; the bill will return for amendment and further consideration.