Baltimore City Council passes one-year moratorium on data centers

The Baltimore City Council has officially voted to enact a one-year moratorium on data center construction within the city limits. This measure specifically targets data centers that consume 10 megawatts or more of power annually. Introduced by Council President Zeke Cohen, the bill is not intended as a permanent ban but rather a temporary pause to allow for a comprehensive examination of the issue. A key component of the legislation is a mandated nine-month study designed to assess the potential impacts of new data centers on Baltimore's energy infrastructure, electricity ratepayers, local economy, and environmental and public health. Following the Council's vote, the bill now advances to Mayor Brandon M. Scott for his signature, which would formally enact the moratorium into law.