Local Maryland governments pause data center development

Three jurisdictions in Maryland, Prince George's, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties, are taking steps to pause or restrict data center development amidst growing concerns over environmental impacts. This follows a rally held by residents outside the Prince George's County government building in Largo, where demonstrators called for a ban on data centers in Maryland.

Prince George's County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha has introduced legislation for a two-year moratorium on new data center development, with a vote anticipated soon. Oriadha emphasized that the county is not prepared for such development due to unknowns regarding environmental and health impacts, as well as costs to residents. While some residents expressed support for the moratorium, others, wearing shirts reading "Data centers are our future," advocated for the benefits and community contributions of such facilities.

In Frederick County, Executive Jessica Fitzwater issued a six-month pause on new data center applications. This executive order was signed shortly after the Supreme Court of Maryland rejected a petition, backed by over 20,000 residents and led by Elizabeth Bauer of the Frederick County Data Center Referendum Committee, which sought to put data center development to a voter referendum. Bauer, despite welcoming the pause, expressed skepticism about its sincerity and vowed to focus on electing anti-data center candidates. Separately, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced a similar six-month moratorium on data center permitting in June, which includes a potential project at a decommissioned power plant in Dickerson. These actions are pending a state report on data center energy, environmental, and financial impacts, expected in September.