Debate over data centers returns to Baltimore City as neighbors oppose proposed legislation
Baltimore City leaders are debating proposed legislation (Bill 26-0174) that would require a conditional use approval process, including a health equity assessment and public input, for future data center projects. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Phylicia Porter, aims to create a regulatory framework once the city's current moratorium on new data center development ends in March 2027. Despite community opposition to the legislation's timing, the bill will move to the Baltimore City Council for consideration in September, after the Planning Commission declined to support it.
A recent Baltimore Planning Commission meeting was heavily attended by residents concerned about the future of data center development in Baltimore City. The meeting focused on proposed legislation, Bill 26-0174, sponsored by City Councilmember Phylicia Porter.
The bill seeks to establish a framework for regulating data centers once the city's current moratorium on new development expires in March 2027. This framework would mandate a conditional use approval process, incorporating a health equity assessment, public input, and a vote by the Baltimore City Council. Councilmember Porter argued the bill would "strategically and administratively block development at every step of the way that does not align with the community," and that it is crucial to have protections in place should the moratorium be challenged.
However, critics and some planning commission members expressed that the legislation was premature, preferring to await the completion of the city's ongoing study into data center impacts. Neighbor Hillary Gonzalez echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for the planning board to fully consider the issue. Despite differing opinions on the bill itself, many speakers shared a common goal of limiting or preventing data center growth in Baltimore.
At the meeting's conclusion, the Planning Commission did not endorse Bill 26-0174 but did agree with Porter's suggestion to include a health equity assessment in the current city study. The proposed legislation is now slated to advance to the Baltimore City Council for further deliberation in September.