Talbot County Council to consider 1-year data center moratorium
The Talbot County Council has introduced a resolution to establish a one-year moratorium on data centers within county limits. The proposal, requested by council member Lynn Mielke, cites environmental concerns related to water usage and strain on the electrical grid. The resolution will be open for public comment on September 8.
The Talbot County Council in Maryland has introduced a resolution to establish a one-year moratorium on data center development within its limits. Council member Lynn Mielke requested the resolution, citing environmental concerns, including the cost to taxpayers for accommodating strain on the county's electrical grid and the significant water usage of data centers.
County Attorney Patrick Thomas described the proposed moratorium as a "proactive" measure, as there are currently no developers actively proposing data centers in the area. Thomas noted that under existing county code, data centers are not considered a "permitted use," but developers could appeal to the Board of Appeals or seek a code amendment. A moratorium would provide the county a year to investigate these issues.
The resolution was introduced on Tuesday with a 3-1 vote, supported by Mielke, Vice President Pete Lesher, and Dave Stepp, while Keasha Haythe voted against its introduction, and President Chuck Callahan was absent. Haythe expressed skepticism, suggesting that data center developers likely wouldn't consider Talbot County due to her experience in economic development. The resolution is scheduled for public comment on September 8.