Elrich orders 6-month moratorium on data center permits
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued a six-month moratorium on data center permits, citing environmental concerns such as increased water use, pollution, and rising energy bills. The decision aims to give county officials time to establish clear rules and land-use regulations for data center development. Two council members had previously introduced similar legislation for moratoriums.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed an executive order on Friday, enacting a six-month moratorium on permits for data center development. The decision follows months of debate among elected officials and concerns from residents regarding the environmental impact of data centers, including increased water usage, potential water and air pollution from electricity emissions, and rising energy costs.
Speaking at a news conference in Rockville, Elrich clarified that the order is not a ban on data centers but rather a temporary pause to allow Montgomery County to establish clear rules and expectations before new applications proceed. Currently, at least four data centers operate within the county, and a proposed development in Dickerson has been a focal point of discussions.
The executive order aligns with legislative efforts by County Council members Evan Glass and Will Jawando, who had independently introduced bills proposing six-month and two-year moratoriums, respectively. Both council members attended the signing, expressing support for the pause to protect the watershed and communities from industrial noise. Council President Natali Fani-González also welcomed the moratorium, noting it provides space for the council to advance legislation, co-sponsored with Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilwoman Laurie-Anne Sayles, to define suitable locations and land-use regulations for data centers.