Maryland Counties Address Data Center Development with Moratoriums
Baltimore County is considering extending its existing data center moratorium by six months, with legislation expected in August. Meanwhile, Prince George's County has already enacted a two-year moratorium on data center development, following similar pauses in Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick counties as local governments weigh resident concerns against economic benefits.
In Maryland, several counties are actively addressing the proliferation of data center developments through moratoriums and policy discussions. Baltimore County Council member David Marks announced plans to introduce legislation in August that would extend the county's current data center moratorium by an additional six months. This extension would push the pause beyond its original expiration date of January 1, 2027.
Separately, Prince George's County has already enacted a two-year moratorium on new data center development. This decision was made by the County Council to allow more time for local officials to reach a consensus on future policies, balancing the county's need for revenue generation with concerns raised by residents regarding these facilities. Other Maryland jurisdictions, including Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick counties, have also implemented similar pauses on data center construction.