Baltimore County’s data center ban likely to be extended
The Baltimore County Council is likely to extend its temporary moratorium on data centers, with a bipartisan majority of council members supporting the move. The proposed extension, possibly until June, aims to allow the county to further assess the impact of data centers on power infrastructure and consider any actions taken by the Maryland General Assembly in its 2027 session. A planning board report on data centers is also due to the council by October 1.
The Baltimore County Council is poised to extend its temporary moratorium on data centers, with a bipartisan majority of council members indicating their support for the measure. The current moratorium is set to expire at the end of the year.
Councilman David Marks, a Republican, plans to sponsor legislation that would likely extend the moratorium until June. This extension would provide the county with additional time to evaluate the effects of large data centers on power infrastructure and pricing, and to consider any related legislative actions from the Maryland General Assembly's 2027 session. Councilman Mike Ertel, a Democrat and council chairman, plans to co-sponsor the legislation, citing "too many unanswered questions" about data centers' impact on the power grid. Councilman Nino Mangione, a Republican, and Izzy Patoka, a Democrat, also voiced support for the extension, emphasizing the need for further review and citizen input. Councilman Pat Young is awaiting a planning board report on data centers, due October 1, before making a decision.
Marks highlighted the complexity of the issue and the need for significant public input, especially given that at least six new members will join the expanded nine-member council after the November election.