Republican candidate Dan Cox calls for statewide data-center ban in Maryland, criticizing incumbent governor's pro-datacenter permitting policies.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox criticized Gov. Wes Moore's executive order establishing a regulatory and review framework for data centers in Maryland, calling instead for a statewide ban.

During an interview Thursday morning on FOX45 Morning News, Cox said Moore's order did not go far enough because it stops short of placing a moratorium on new data center projects.

"I absolutely believe that a ban on these kinds of data centers and on all data centers at this point is essential to protect our state," Cox said.

Moore's executive order creates a task force and outlines standards intended to address power-grid reliability, economic benefits and community input for proposed data center projects. The governor said the framework would allow Maryland to set uniform expectations while preserving local governments' authority over whether to approve projects.

Cox disputed that characterization, arguing the state would retain too much control over project reviews.

The former state delegate also criticized the proposed TeraWulf data center project at the Morgantown power plant, alleging it could use 25 million gallons of water per day and affect electricity available to Maryland residents. He also raised concerns about a proposed project near farmland and a school in Adamstown.

Cox further pushed back on criticism of his past support for a 2020 tax exemption designed to attract data centers to Maryland. He said the industry has changed significantly since then, with projects now requiring far more power than data centers contemplated at the time.

Moore has said he plans to work with the General Assembly to repeal that tax exemption.