Montgomery County committee recommends pause on data centers
A committee in Montgomery County, Maryland, unanimously recommended extending the current six-month data center moratorium to 18 months. The proposal will now go to the full county council for a vote next Tuesday. This extension aims to allow the county time to develop new rules addressing environmental impacts, noise, energy use, and costs to residents.
Montgomery County leaders are considering extending a pause on new data centers. A county council committee voted unanimously to recommend prolonging the existing six-month moratorium on new data center permits to 18 months.
The proposal is scheduled for a vote by the full council next Tuesday. Supporters argue that the additional time is necessary for the county to establish new regulations to address potential environmental impacts, noise pollution, energy consumption, and financial costs to residents associated with data center development.