Caroline County approves data center moratorium
Caroline County Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas of the county to study their potential impacts. This county-level moratorium does not affect incorporated municipalities like Federalsburg, which is independently considering a moratorium amidst significant public opposition to a proposed data center.
The Caroline County Commissioners have enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development within the county's unincorporated areas. The decision, made during a recent meeting, allows officials to conduct comprehensive research into the potential impacts of data centers on safety, noise, energy, and water resources.
County Attorney Stewart Barroll clarified that the moratorium specifically prohibits county staff from processing new data center applications or reviewing site plans in these unincorporated zones. However, he stressed that the county's action does not extend to incorporated municipalities, such as Federalsburg, due to the limitations of the Express Powers Act.
This distinction is particularly relevant as Federalsburg faces a controversial data center proposal within its town limits. Although the developer has not yet submitted formal plans, the project has generated substantial public opposition. Federalsburg council members have discussed the possibility of their own town-wide moratorium, with a majority reportedly expressing opposition to the proposed development.
Commissioner Vice President Larry Porter and President Travis Breeding reiterated that the county lacks authority over municipal development decisions and advised residents to direct their concerns to their respective local governments for projects within incorporated areas. Additionally, Porter mentioned that new Maryland legislation, House Bill 1532, mandates large energy consumers, including data centers, to fund their own infrastructure upgrades for grid connection, addressing concerns about energy supply. Resident Katie Stella-Breeding also raised environmental concerns, citing potential "cancer-causing emissions" from data centers that she fears could harm human health and livestock.