New Bill Questions Prince George's County Data Center Moratorium
Prince George's County Council recently enacted a two-year moratorium on new data center development. However, a new zoning bill has been introduced by Council member Juanita Fisher to determine specific locations for data centers within the county, potentially overriding the moratorium's intent. Residents and the Planning Board have expressed environmental and electricity concerns about the proposal.
Prince George's County Council recently enacted a two-year moratorium on new data center development on July 7th, following significant opposition from residents. Despite this victory for opponents, some residents like Taylor Frazier McCollum feel the moratorium isn't sufficient, citing concerns over increased electricity bills due to data centers connecting to the PJM grid and potential environmental harm.
Adding to the uncertainty, Council member Juanita Fisher has introduced new zoning legislation that aims to permit data centers in specific rural, agricultural, and residential zones, primarily in the northern and southern parts of the county. This proposal also mandates detailed site plan reviews for campuses under 200 acres. Fisher had previously lobbied against the moratorium, suggesting that colleagues needed more time to gather information.
According to a Planning Department staff report, the two-year moratorium includes an exception if the County Council passes legislation addressing data center placement, construction, and operation. However, members of the Planning Board have reportedly suggested voting against Fisher's zoning proposal, citing environmental concerns related to potential water and air pollution. The Prince George's County Planning Board is scheduled to hold a meeting this Thursday, where the public will have an opportunity to discuss the proposed legislation.