Frederick County announces temporary freeze on data center approvals

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater declared a temporary halt on new data center construction approvals, effective from July 1st through December 31st. This moratorium is paired with a new energy registration requirement linked to the Maryland Public Service Commission's large load customer registry. Fitzwater stated the pause is intended to allow the county to review the state's upcoming data center impact analysis and report, and to consider additional necessary regulations. She framed the decision as a response to significant public frustration concerning data centers' utility costs and a perceived lack of public voice following a court-blocked data center referendum. The order specifically affects new approvals and site development applications that do not meet the energy registration requirement, while existing approved data centers are not impacted.

Separately, the Frederick County Council is continuing its review of a bill to update local zoning rules for solar energy generating stations and battery storage systems, aiming to comply with Maryland's 2025 Renewable Energy Certainty Act. County officials note the state law limits local government's regulatory power over these projects. Council member Steve McCay voiced concerns that the proposed county bill might unintentionally prevent data centers from utilizing large on-site solar power systems for their operations.