Federalsburg becomes first Eastern Shore community to ban data centers
Federalsburg, Maryland, has become the first Eastern Shore community to ban data centers, escalating a previous three-year moratorium. The Town Council unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting data facilities in all zoning districts within its limits. This decision followed strong community backlash and concerns raised about energy prices, water usage, noise pollution, and health.
The Federalsburg Town Council in Maryland has unanimously voted to enact an ordinance that permanently bans data centers within its municipal limits, making it the first Eastern Shore community to do so. This decision follows a period of consideration for a proposed "Fieldstone Technology Center" intended for advanced digital infrastructure, including potential data center development, which began in June.
The proposal was met with significant community opposition, culminating in a large public information meeting in July where residents expressed skepticism. Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz voiced concerns about energy prices, water consumption, noise pollution, and health, urging local government to verify statements made by proponents. The community had previously approved a three-year moratorium on data centers.
On September 9, the Town Council passed Ordinance 2026-07, which amends the town's zoning code to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts. This outright ban, which passed unanimously to applause, supersedes the earlier moratorium. The council also discussed a potential ballot question to gauge resident sentiment on data centers, though timing remains uncertain. The new ban, however, remains in effect.