Maryland Counties Enact Data Center Moratoriums, Harford County Imposes Ban
Harford County, Maryland, has become the first county in the state to completely ban data center facilities, a decision influenced by community opposition group Our Land, Our Home, Our Harford. This action comes as 13 Maryland counties have enacted temporary data center moratoriums, with Montgomery County recently extending its pause to 18 months, reflecting growing concerns over environmental impacts, noise, infrastructure, and electricity demands.
Bryan Cornell and Krissy Flatau, residents of Harford County, Maryland, formed a grassroots organization called Our Land, Our Home, Our Harford to advocate against data center development. Their efforts culminated in Harford County becoming the first in Maryland to completely ban data center facilities in June.
The ban in Harford County is part of a broader trend across Maryland, where 13 counties have enacted temporary data center moratoriums. Angie McCarthy, clean energy campaign manager at Nature Forward and founding chair of Marylanders for Data Center Reform, described these moratoriums as a "natural reaction" to public concerns regarding environmental impact, noise, community infrastructure, and public health.
The Maryland Tech Council acknowledges local governments' responsibility to examine data center fit within communities but argues that many concerns are "misunderstood or vastly overstated," cautioning against policies that might hinder economic opportunities. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly proposed the ban, citing the county's insufficient electrical capabilities for hyperscale data centers, arguing it would be irresponsible to allow development that would inflate energy prices for residents.
Separately, the Montgomery County Council recently extended its six-month pause on data centers to 18 months, a decision supported by County Executive Marc Elrich amidst concerns over a potential facility in Dickerson. This extension aims to provide more time for research into potential impacts and the development of appropriate regulations.