Anne Arundel County considers 15-month pause on new data centers
Anne Arundel County is considering a 15-month moratorium on new data center development, moving away from a proposed ban. The County Council approved an amendment for a temporary pause to allow a work group to study regulations. This decision comes after concerns from residents and testimony from companies like Microsoft.
Anne Arundel County is contemplating a 15-month temporary pause on new data center construction, replacing an earlier proposed ban, as officials work to establish comprehensive regulations for these facilities. The County Council unanimously approved an amendment to Bill 63-26, which would implement a moratorium until January 31, 2028, or until new county legislation for data centers is adopted.
During this proposed pause, a work group would be formed to examine various aspects of data center development, including energy and water consumption, utility infrastructure requirements, environmental impacts, air quality, noise levels, and economic benefits. Projects already underway, including future phases of existing data centers on adjacent properties, would generally be permitted to continue.
The initial ban proposal had generated public concern over increased electricity demand, water usage, noise pollution, and environmental effects. Conversely, some argued that a countywide ban could negatively affect Anne Arundel County's technology and cybersecurity sectors, particularly those near federal installations like Fort Meade, NSA, and U.S. Cyber Command.
Microsoft, which is currently developing a data center campus in Annapolis Junction Business Park, voiced opposition to the original ban, advocating instead for a regulatory framework and work group while seeking to continue its ongoing development. The amendment also includes a provision to repeal a personal property tax assessment reduction for data storage centers. The amended bill is slated for a final vote on October 5.