Campaign Phone
443-972-0687
While they are not without their problems, data centers will be necessary. The emerging AI-related economy will force us to either build them or be left behind. Their construction and maintenance will create good paying jobs in our region. Our primary concern has to be about making sure we can build them while maintaining the highest standards for our environment, especially the Bay.
There are a number of contributing factors: delivery charge increases, the draw from data centers (which will only increase in future), and the decision to buy our power from outside competitive commodities auction markets (where prices have soared). We need to revitalize our infrastructure, lean into our own production (solar, hydro, wind, et al) possibilities, including creating tax incentives and subsidies for residents to transition to solar for home energy.
Yes. Anyone who has been on any highway in the state can verify the problem. When I served in the Pentagon and lived by Fort Meade, I took the MARC train into work every day. It was great. I was able to use my time more efficiently while not having to deal with the stress - or add to pollution - sitting in a traffic jam. I'd like to see our rail grids increased and infrastructure improved. I'd like to see an extension of rail service onto the Eastern Shore, as well.
While many areas are important, education and workforce development, rural healthcare, and protecting the health of the Bay are my top 3. In a recent survey, the 4 counties of District 37 averaged #17 out of 24 Maryland jurisdictions for education. We need to do better - including training in farming and Bay-related industries. Proposed cuts to the ACA are likely to hit our region hardest. Finally, the Bay is not just about our economy and recreation - it's our identity. We need to fight for it.
While we all agree that violent criminals should be deported, estimates suggest they only account for 5% - 14% of ICE arrests. The rest are very important to our seafood/poultry processing, farming, construction, and food service industries. Some have been US veterans/family of veterans. We need to demand court action to protect them - and our economy, we need to push for a stay on the change to Temporary Protected Status for Haitian refugees, and we need to fund ESL programs in our schools.
Campaign Phone
410-205-4770
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/katieclendaniel.mdsenate.d37/
Data Centers contribute locally in Maryland and in the Eastern Shore area. They rent or buy property that may otherwise lease at a lower per square foot rate or sit empty. In our challenging commercial rental environment on the Shore , this can help our local economy. On the Shore we have a very LOW data center footprint. Massive power demand from data centers—largely in Northern Virginia are impacting the entire regional power grid, but is a portion of what has led to higher utility costs.
There are multiple factors affecting the high cost of utilities. Massive power demand from data centers has outpaced new supply. Older power plants are retiring faster than new renewable or gas projects can be built and connected to the grid. Utilities are spending heavily on aging wires, poles, and gas pipeline replacements contributing to delivery service fee increases. We are also facing a supply gap during the transition from renewable energy away from fossil fuels.
Transportation is a significant challenge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Public transportation is limited in terms of availability due to its high cost. Local areas have large rural areas to cover with smaller populations. Local jurisdictions struggle to contribute to the cost needed to improve frequency of fixed routes. Transportation by private ride share companies is also extremely limited or non existent. Investment in Public Transportation has the potential to save our citizens thousands.
Top Priorities are 1) Education Funding, specifically addressing the gaps for districts who lack the funds to meet mandates; 2) addressing housing needs while balancing the quality of life and community building patterns that characterize the Eastern Shore; 3) Economic Development and supporting small businesses. Small Businesses are the backbone of our local Eastern Shore economy and not eligible for many larger scale economic development incentives at the state level.
Immigrants are especially important in our local poultry and food processing industries, our seafood industry, and in property management and tourism industries. Immigrant community members should not feel physically threatened because of the color of their skin, their native language, or where they come from. I am in favor of humanitarian treatment and protections that are used in balance with border security.
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