Baltimore residents fight City Council over controversial data center bill
Baltimore residents are actively opposing a proposed City Council bill (26-0174) that would establish a conditional use approval process for data centers, including a health equity assessment. Despite an existing moratorium on data center development, residents fear the bill would open the door to new projects, advocating instead for a full ban. The bill is slated for another public hearing.
Residents of Baltimore, Maryland, are voicing strong opposition to Council Bill 26-0174, a proposed measure sponsored by City Councilmember Phylicia Porter that would establish a conditional use approval process for data centers in the city, including a health equity assessment. This comes despite an existing moratorium on new data center development in Baltimore while a city study on their potential impacts is underway.
Opponents of the bill, who attended an August 27 Baltimore City Planning Commission public hearing, argue that while the bill may be well-intentioned, it creates a pathway for data centers to enter the city, which they believe is unacceptable. They are pushing for a permanent ban on data centers, rather than stricter guidelines for their operation, citing concerns about environmental justice, health impacts, and strain on the city's already fragile electricity grid. The Planning Commission ultimately declined to support the bill due to overwhelming public opposition.
Councilwoman Porter contends that the bill is crucial for protecting Baltimore from potential legal challenges if the current moratorium, which she describes as