Harford County residents concerned business may sell property to company building data centers

Harford County residents and leaders are actively opposing potential data center developments, citing concerns about environmental impact, noise, and strain on public resources. Harford County Councilman Jacob Bennett is set to introduce legislation for a 90-day moratorium on data center construction to allow for further study of their benefits and risks. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly has voiced strong opposition, stating that data centers are not currently permitted under county code and expressing significant concerns about their negative impact on energy and water resources, noise pollution, and the community. Separately, Baltimore City is also taking measures to pause large data center construction, with the city council introducing a one-year moratorium. This legislative period will be used to research data centers' potential effects on Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) bills and neighborhood health. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen and Councilwoman Phylicia Porter have highlighted worries that data centers could exacerbate high energy rates and negatively transform residential and agricultural areas, as well as community centers. The Maryland Office of the People's Council previously called for an investigation into a BGE transmission line project at the Baltimore Peninsula, further fueling concerns among city leaders and residents about rising utility costs.