In split vote, County Council committees reject proposed task force on data centers

Montgomery County Council committees have rejected a proposal from Councilmember Evan Glass to create a task force to study the future of data centers in the county. The council's Economic Development and Transportation & Environment committees voted 3-2 against advancing the bill, with committee leaders questioning the necessity of the task force. Instead, the council is pursuing a zoning text amendment to restrict where data centers can be built. Councilmember Glass expressed disappointment with the vote, stating that residents have raised legitimate concerns about data centers that deserve answers. The council must now decide whether to bring the task force bill to the full council for consideration.