Washington County imposes 12-month data center moratorium amid sharp public pushback
Washington County, Maryland, commissioners voted 4-1 to enact a 12-month moratorium on data center development applications. This decision followed a public hearing where residents expressed significant concerns about water usage, electricity costs, and the county's transparency. The moratorium aims to allow the county to update its zoning ordinances and conduct necessary studies.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to impose a 12-month moratorium on data center development applications, extending beyond the six-month deferral initially proposed. This decision came after a public hearing where residents raised concerns about the timing, transparency, and the potential impact of data centers on local resources.
County Attorney Zachary Kiefer noted that current county laws, including zoning ordinances, lack a defined term for data center use. Residents, including a candidate for county commissioner, spoke about the significant water demands of data centers, the need for a comprehensive water and sewer master plan, and the potential strain on groundwater and the Potomac River during droughts. Concerns were also raised regarding electricity costs for existing ratepayers and the need for updated zoning setbacks.
Some speakers questioned the board's motives, alleging political timing related to the upcoming general election and past issues with county transparency. Planning staff had originally recommended a 12-18 month pause to study practices in other jurisdictions like Montgomery and Prince George's counties and evaluate requirements for data centers to provide their own power infrastructure.
Commissioners Randy Wagner and Jeff Cline emphasized the need to proceed carefully to ensure proper infrastructure and cost allocation to data centers. Commissioner Neil Parrott cast the sole dissenting vote, expressing concern that the moratorium would signal the county is