Atmosphere Data Centers scraps challenge to Montgomery Co. executive’s permitting moratorium
Atmosphere Data Centers withdrew its appeal of a zoning interpretation related to a six-month data center moratorium implemented by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. This withdrawal occurred after the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development, rendering Elrich's executive order moot. The council's moratorium aims to allow time to address issues like tax policy, water usage, and noise regulations.
Atmosphere Data Centers, a California company planning a data center campus in Dickerson, Maryland, has withdrawn its appeal of a zoning interpretation. The appeal was initially lodged against a six-month data center moratorium imposed by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich in June.
Elrich's executive order halted the county's permitting department from processing new data center applications. However, this order became moot when the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted on July 28 to approve its own 18-month moratorium on data center development.
Kris Warner, a spokesperson for Atmosphere Data Centers, confirmed the withdrawal of the appeal to Bethesda Today. Council members indicated that the extended pause would provide the county with time to engage residents and resolve outstanding issues, including tax policy, water consumption, and noise regulations, before new data centers are constructed in the county.