Harford County executive's proposed bill aims to ban data centers

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly has announced a proposed bill that aims to permanently ban data centers from being built within Harford County, Maryland. Cassilly stated his administration's research into the impacts of these facilities across the country led to the conclusion that "Data Centers are not appropriate for Harford County," citing significant concerns about their massive energy consumption, environmental impact, and water usage. This legislative proposal follows recent discussions by the county council regarding a bill to impose a 90-day moratorium on data center developments. Councilmember Jacob Bennett had introduced this moratorium bill last month, which intended to provide county leaders time to assess the benefits and risks, especially after residents became aware of a potential land sale for data center construction. Cassilly's proposed bill would codify a permanent prohibition, preventing data centers from being approved administratively or through interpretations of the existing zoning code, which currently does not specifically permit them. He explained that the moratorium discussion, which many residents viewed as "the opening of Pandora's Box," indicated that stronger action was necessary. Rather than creating a legislative pathway for these projects, his administration advocates for an outright ban to protect the county's citizens and align future growth with community values. The proposed bill is slated for consideration by the Harford County Council at a future meeting.