Montgomery County Moves Closer to 18-Month Data Center Moratorium
Montgomery County's Economic Development Committee unanimously recommended an 18-month moratorium on building permits for large data centers, replacing an existing six-month pause. This recommendation, which also removed an exemption for the proposed Dickerson data center project, now heads to the full County Council for final consideration. Separately, the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee advanced a zoning measure to prohibit large data centers countywide while long-term regulations are developed.
Montgomery County's Economic Development Committee has unanimously recommended an 18-month moratorium on building permits for large data centers. This proposed extension, which replaces a six-month pause previously issued by County Executive Marc Elrich, will now proceed to the full County Council for final consideration on July 28. A key aspect of the committee's recommendation was the removal of an exemption that would have allowed the proposed Dickerson data center project to continue development during the moratorium period.
Concurrently, the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee voted to advance an amended zoning measure. This measure aims to define large data centers and would prohibit their development throughout the county while officials work on establishing comprehensive, long-term regulations. Supporters of these legislative efforts argue that the extended moratorium will provide sufficient time for the County to develop detailed regulations. These regulations are intended to govern the siting and construction of data centers, addressing concerns related to clean energy consumption, noise pollution, watershed protection, utility costs, public health, emergency preparedness, and broader community benefits. If approved by the full Council, the moratorium would become effective immediately upon being signed into law.