Dickerson data center developer files appeal of Elrich’s moratorium
Atmosphere Data Centers has filed an appeal against Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's six-month moratorium on data center permits in Dickerson, Maryland. The moratorium was enacted due to environmental concerns, with the County Council also considering proposals to extend it and introduce new zoning regulations for data centers.
Atmosphere Data Centers, a California-based developer, has filed an appeal against Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's six-month moratorium on data center development permits. The appeal was lodged with the county's Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings after Elrich issued the executive order last month, citing concerns over the environmental impact of large data centers.
County Executive Elrich confirmed the appeal during a media briefing but declined to provide details due to legal considerations. He stated the moratorium is not intended to block data centers but to ensure proper development, addressing community and council concerns about water usage, pollution, and increased energy bills. The Montgomery County Council is also actively considering two bills to extend the moratorium, one for an additional six months by Council Member Evan Glass and another for two years by Council Member Will Jawando. Additionally, a zoning bill sponsored by Council President Natali Fani-González, Marilyn Balcombe, and Laurie-Anne Sayles is under review to establish specific land-use regulations and locations for data centers within the county.