Baltimore Data Center Bill 26-0174 Draws Resident Pushback
Baltimore residents are actively opposing City Council Bill 26-0174, fearing it could create a loophole for data center development despite the city's existing moratorium. The proposed bill would require conditional-use permits and health equity assessments for future data centers, which opponents argue is insufficient and undermines calls for a full citywide ban. The bill remains under debate with proposed amendments.
Baltimore residents voiced strong opposition at a City Council hearing against Council Bill 26-0174, a measure they believe could bypass the city's current data center moratorium. Introduced by Councilmember Phylicia Porter, the bill proposes requiring conditional-use permits and health equity assessments for any future data centers, evaluating potential impacts within a 1.5-mile radius.
Hillary Gonzalez, founder of the People's Green Liberation Coalition, led the opposition, presenting a petition with nearly 8,500 signatures from residents advocating for a complete citywide data center ban rather than a conditional permitting system. Councilman Mark Conway also opposed the bill, arguing it creates a "back door" for data centers and fails to adequately protect residents, particularly concerning a clause allowing projects to proceed if a compelling public interest outweighs negative public-health impacts. Residents raised concerns about AI data centers threatening children's lives and increasing heat and noise pollution.
Councilmember Porter, who introduced the bill, stated it aligns with the moratorium and aims to shift disclosure responsibility to developers. She has since announced amendments, including updates to the data center definition and assigning health assessment review to the city's Office of Sustainability. Despite the debate, the existing data center moratorium would remain active even if the bill were approved.
This local struggle in Baltimore reflects a broader national trend, with numerous US localities adopting or debating measures such as moratoriums, special permits, setbacks, and water-use restrictions for data centers. The debate in Baltimore over whether a permitting framework can adequately protect neighborhoods from environmental and public health challenges remains unresolved.