Baltimore County Council to Vote on Extending Data Center Moratorium
The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote on extending the county's moratorium on data center development through the end of 2027. This extension aims to provide lawmakers with additional time to develop comprehensive regulations for these facilities. The move comes amid resident pressure for stronger restrictions, including an outright ban, due to concerns over infrastructure and environmental impacts.
The Baltimore County Council is set to vote on Tuesday regarding a bill to extend the county's current moratorium on data center development until the end of 2027. This proposed extension, sponsored by five of the seven council members including Chair Mike Ertel, Izzy Patoka, David Marks, Nino Mangione, and Todd Crandell, is intended to give lawmakers more time to consider and establish permanent regulations for data center facilities.
The current pause in development would allow the council to evaluate recommendations from the Planning Board and address various concerns raised by the community. These concerns include potential impacts on infrastructure, environmental effects, economic development, and the need for stronger community protections. Residents have been vocal in their demands for more stringent restrictions, with some advocating for a complete ban on data center construction. Council member David Marks of Upper Falls noted an "evolution of thinking" on data centers, prompting his support for the moratorium's extension.