Montgomery County council enacts 18-month data center moratorium
The Montgomery County Council unanimously enacted an 18-month moratorium on new data center permits due to rising concerns about infrastructure, energy consumption, water use, and noise impacts. This pause allows the council to consider zoning amendments and legislation before approving new projects, following similar actions by neighboring counties like Prince George's and Frederick.
The Montgomery County Council has unanimously voted to enact an 18-month moratorium on issuing new permits for data centers within the county, as reported by DC News Now's Randy Bass from the council office building in Rockville. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over data center infrastructure, energy consumption, water usage, and noise impacts.
More than a dozen residents attended the council meeting, carrying signs in support of the moratorium, while some opponents highlighted the potential tax revenue and job creation data centers could bring. The moratorium does not affect data centers already operating in Montgomery County but provides time for the council to consider zoning amendments and new legislation regarding data center development.
Montgomery County's 18-month moratorium follows similar actions in neighboring Maryland counties, including Prince George's County, which has a two-year moratorium, and Frederick County, whose moratorium extends through the end of the year. Residents expressed hope that the county will use this pause to thoroughly investigate whether the industry can operate without negatively impacting residents' health, environmental well-being, taxpayer rates, and the electrical grid.