More Maryland counties take action, pausing data center development
Several Maryland counties, including Prince George's, Frederick, and Howard, are enacting temporary pauses or moratoriums on data center development due to resident concerns about noise, resource strain, and quality of life. This follows a Maryland Supreme Court ruling regarding Frederick County's zoning decision, prompting a state-level impact analysis. Harford County has gone further by outright banning data centers.
The debate over data center development is intensifying in Maryland, with several counties implementing temporary pauses or outright bans due to community concerns. Prince George's County Council recently approved a two-year moratorium on new data center development, following a contentious debate. Council Chair Krystal Oriadha stated the action is intended to provide county leaders and residents more time for evaluation and discussion.
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater also announced a temporary pause on new data center applications until December 31, citing resident concerns and awaiting a State Data Center Impact Analysis and Report. This decision came after a Maryland Supreme Court ruling determined that the County’s zoning decision to restrict data center development to an area north of Adamstown could not appear on the fall ballot. Howard County Council similarly passed a temporary pause to study the impacts of data centers and update outdated regulations, with Councilmember Christiana Rigby emphasizing the need for meaningful recommendations.
Baltimore County and Baltimore City are also considering similar measures. Harford County has adopted the most stringent approach, becoming the first county in Maryland to ban data centers entirely. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly explained that the decision was made after careful consideration, concluding that the county could not both protect citizens and accommodate data centers.