Zoning legislation puts Prince George's data center moratorium in question
Prince George's County Council recently approved a two-year data center moratorium, but new zoning legislation is being proposed to define exceptions. Council member Wanika Fisher plans to introduce rules for data center placement in specific county zones. The county planning board is expected to hold a hearing on this zoning proposal, which faces environmental concerns from community advocates.
Prince George's County, Maryland, is grappling with conflicting approaches to data center development. Just two weeks after the Prince George’s County Council approved a two-year moratorium on new data center construction, Council member Wanika Fisher is preparing to introduce zoning legislation. This new proposal aims to establish specific areas within the county where data centers would be permitted, primarily targeting certain rural, agricultural, and residential zones in the northern and southern parts of the county.
The recently enacted moratorium includes a provision allowing for exceptions if the County Council passes legislation addressing data center placement and operation. Community advocate Taylor Frazier McCollum expressed concern that the moratorium "left the door too wide open" and that data centers could drive up utility bills and harm the environment. Frazier McCollum stated that current data center construction methods are problematic, potentially polluting water and air, and advocated for "equitably and environmentally sound built data centers."
Fisher's proposed legislation also calls for detailed site plan reviews for data center campuses under 200 acres. Despite Fisher initially lobbying against a full moratorium, the council ultimately moved forward with it, with some members expressing a need for more time to gather information. A planning department staff report has reportedly suggested that the planning board vote against the new data center zoning proposal, citing environmental concerns. A public hearing on the data center zoning legislation is anticipated for Thursday, with both opponents and supporters expected to attend.