Maryland Eastern Shore Counties Consider or Pass Data Center Moratoriums
Several counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore are actively considering or have passed moratoriums on data center development. Worcester and Caroline Counties have enacted year-long moratoriums, while Wicomico and Somerset Counties are proposing or discussing similar measures to evaluate potential impacts. The town of Federalsburg, however, is still considering a data center despite Caroline County's moratorium.
Counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore are moving to implement moratoriums on data center development to better understand their potential environmental, energy, water, and aesthetic impacts. Worcester County officials have already passed a year-long moratorium on data centers and cable-landing sites. Similarly, Caroline County has approved a year-long moratorium for its unincorporated areas.
Wicomico County Council President John T. Cannon stated that the council is considering a moratorium, potentially for a year, to allow the planning and zoning department more time to evaluate the pros and cons of "AI centers." The council will discuss a moratorium at its upcoming August 4th meeting. Somerset County is also proposing a moratorium, with Jesse Drewer, director of Technical and Community Services, noting that data centers are an emergent field not currently addressed in the county zoning code, prompting a need for regulation.
In contrast, Federalsburg, an incorporated town within Caroline County, continues to consider plans for a data center despite the county's moratorium. Federalsburg Councilmember Brandy James emphasized the importance of residents having a meaningful opportunity to voice their concerns on such large projects. State Sen. Johnny Mautz (R - District 37) attended a public hearing, observing public confusion but a determination to verify information. James supported exploring charter amendments to allow special elections for residents to directly influence major projects, underscoring that temporary moratoriums provide communities crucial time to review zoning, infrastructure, and environmental factors.