Report on data centers in Baltimore County recommends strict regulations
A report presented to the Baltimore County Planning Board recommends strict regulations for hyperscale data centers, including bans near schools, homes, parks, and daycares, and limits on noise. This comes during an existing moratorium on data center developments until 2027, with residents raising concerns about increased energy bills and water usage. A public hearing on the report is scheduled for September 3rd.
The Baltimore County Planning Board received a staff report on hyperscale data centers, recommending strict regulations following an examination of their economic, public health, and environmental impacts. This report comes as the county has already implemented a moratorium on new data center developments, set to last until January 1, 2027.
The proposed regulations include banning data centers near schools, homes, parks, and daycares, as well as setting limits on operational noise. Resident Reed Cahill expressed encouragement, noting that many data centers are often planned for "already overburdened and underprivileged communities," and saw the recommendations as an effort to "pump the brakes" on what feels like an "inevitable tide of corporate interests."
The report also highlighted potential cost impacts on residents, finding that data centers have contributed to increased energy bills and are projected to continue doing so for at least three more years, which is a concern for residents already facing high BGE bills. Additionally, data centers could consume over 500,000 gallons of water, raising issues of "water access in relation to environmental racism" and impacts on wildlife.
The report suggests requiring data center developers to enter contracts contributing to community priorities. While Dr. Danita Tolson commended the report as a good start, she advocated for further research beyond minority communities to ensure equitable placement. The Planning Board plans to hold a public hearing on the report on September 3rd.