Harford County Council votes to ban data centers in all zoning districts
The Harford County Council unanimously voted to permanently ban data centers in all zoning districts, citing community concerns over energy and water usage. This decision, supported by local residents, has prompted warnings from the Maryland Tech Council about potential constitutional challenges and lawsuits against the county. The issue is expected to escalate to the state level in Annapolis.
The Harford County Council in Maryland unanimously approved a bill, 7-0, on Tuesday night that permanently bans data centers from all zoning districts within the county. The decision followed months of intense community opposition, with dozens of residents packing the council chambers to voice concerns about the energy consumption, water usage, and industrial impact of data center facilities. Council President Patrick Vincenti described the vote as a "no-brainer."
While supporters, including Bryan Cornell of Our Land Our Home Our Harford, celebrated the ban as a move to protect the community and a potential model for other localities, some speakers warned of unintended consequences, such as limiting the county's economic opportunities and relying on neighboring areas for digital infrastructure. Maryland Senator JB Jennings also expressed concerns about the broad language of the bill, suggesting it might inadvertently restrict other necessary operations.
The Maryland Tech Council strongly criticized the ban, calling it "vague, legally dubious, and forecloses a generational economic opportunity." In a statement to WMAR-2 News, a spokesperson for the council claimed the legislative process ignored factual information and argued that the decision raises constitutional questions, potentially exposing the county to lawsuits. Both Senator Jennings and community advocates indicated that the issue is likely to move to the state level in Annapolis during the next legislative session.