Favorable
Committee: Environment and Transportation
HB1411
The Maryland Catholic Conference offers this testimony in support of House Bill 1411. The Maryland Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
House Bill 1411 requires owners or operators of large-scale data centers to submit a disclosure report to designated State and local agencies and elected officials when certain conditions are met. The report must include detailed information regarding the project, and the Maryland Department of the Environment would be required to publish the disclosure report on its website within 30 days to ensure transparency and public access to information. In addition, the bill requires each local jurisdiction in Maryland with a population of at least 10,000 residents to adopt a large-scale data center plan by June 30, 2027. These plans would guide local governments in responsibly planning for the growth and development of data centers within their communities.
The intent of this legislation is to promote transparency, thoughtful planning, and responsible decision-making as Maryland experiences increased interest in large-scale data center development. Data centers play a significant role in supporting the digital infrastructure that modern society relies on, but they also place considerable demands on energy, water, and local infrastructure. By requiring disclosure reports and encouraging local planning efforts, this bill helps ensure that policymakers, community leaders, and residents have the information necessary to assess potential impacts and make informed decisions before development occurs.
Responsible stewardship and care for the common good are essential principles that guide how we approach economic and technological development. Ensuring transparency and thoughtful planning reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard the resources entrusted to us while protecting communities, especially those most vulnerable to environmental or economic strain. It also helps protect communities from unintended economic or environmental burdens by ensuring that development occurs responsibly and with proper oversight, allowing innovation to grow without compromising the well-being of Marylanders.
Legislation such as this promotes accountability, responsible governance, and respect for human dignity by ensuring that development decisions consider the well-being of all Maryland residents.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference urges a favorable report on House Bill 1411.