Prince George's County approves data center moratorium

The Prince George's County Council has enacted a two-year moratorium on new data center development, a decision that followed a period of intense public and council debate. This action was taken after a prior executive order to halt permits expired, prompting the council to seek a more long-term solution. The moratorium's purpose is to allow the county sufficient time to formulate a comprehensive zoning plan that will dictate where and how data centers can be constructed within the county.

The council chamber was filled with residents presenting diverse viewpoints. Groups, some identified by matching green attire, spoke against the moratorium, seeking to debunk what they called 'myths' regarding data centers' impact on water and electricity, while highlighting their economic benefits. Conversely, citizen activists voiced strong support for the moratorium, citing concerns about data centers' disproportionate strain on energy supplies, grid stability, and electricity rates for Pepco customers.

Divisions were apparent even within the county leadership. While the Council Chair expressed a preference for an outright ban, other council members, including County Executive Aisha Braveboy, advocated for a temporary pause that would still allow for future data center projects, recognizing their potential as a significant revenue stream for the county. Braveboy was not in favor of the moratorium, preferring to keep development options open.

This move by Prince George's County aligns with a broader trend in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently signed his own six-month moratorium on data centers, citing similar concerns about energy consumption, water usage, and the aesthetic impact of these facilities. Additionally, Maryland lawmakers have passed legislation mandating a statewide study to assess the environmental, energy, and economic ramifications of data center development across Maryland.