Councilmember Glass proposes a pause to data center permitting, says 'Our climate is on the line'

Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass has introduced a bill proposing a six-month moratorium on data center permits within the county. Glass stated during a press conference that "Our climate is on the line. The cost of utilities are on the line and these decisions are irreversible," highlighting concerns about environmental impacts such as air pollution and significant water and energy consumption. The proposed legislation intends to provide the county leadership with time to establish comprehensive regulations for data centers. Glass plans to make any future restrictions retroactive to apply to a data center project at the former Dickerson Power Plant site, which currently holds provisional approval and is being developed by Atmosphere Data Centers. Environmental groups, including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and the Montgomery County Sierra Club, expressed support for the pause, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and adequate planning for renewable energy infrastructure. A public hearing for the bill is scheduled for June 16, allowing residents to share their perspectives on the proposed moratorium.