Prince George's County Council passes 2-year moratorium on new data centers

The Prince George's County Council has voted to enact a two-year moratorium on new data center development, a decision described as one of the region's toughest pauses on such projects. The measure passed after spirited debate, with opponents citing concerns over health, environmental impacts, and energy consumption. Herbert Jones of the South County Environmental Justice Coalition emphasized the need for a comprehensive review period, stating, "A two-year moratorium gives us the opportunity to get our arms around this, 'cause this is a huge decision."

The Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, represented by Alexander Austin, advocated for a shorter, six-month moratorium, arguing that a two-year halt was excessive. Council members also held varying views, with some, like Eric Olson, supporting the pause to ensure proper planning, while Danielle Hunter expressed concern about a "rush to judgment." The resolution includes a provision allowing the moratorium to be lifted sooner if comprehensive legislation governing data center development is passed.

In a separate but related development, County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s administration announced an executive order that immediately halts permitting applications for data centers through September. This order specifically impacts projects like the proposed data center at the former Landover Mall site, which is currently undergoing the permitting process. Council Chair Krystal Oriadha noted, "I think the community has spoken loud and clear. I think they’ve made it very clear that they don't want to see a data center here in Prince George's County."