Maryland county adopts 2-year moratorium on data centers

Prince George's County, Maryland, has enacted a two-year moratorium on data center development, becoming the state's most restrictive jurisdiction for such projects. This decision, approved by the County Council, aims to provide time to draft comprehensive legislation addressing the economic and environmental impacts of the AI boom, including rising utility costs and local concerns. The moratorium follows widespread resident protests against a proposed hyperscale data center at the former Landover Mall, which heightened local awareness of the industry's impacts.

Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, a proponent of a full ban, sponsored the resolution, stating the two-year pause was a compromise. She emphasized concerns about environmental effects, economic costs, and the ethical implications of rapid data center expansion. Oriadha highlighted that while local actions are crucial, the broader issues, such as grid strain and equitable cost distribution, require national-level regulation due to the interconnected nature of the electric grid.

David Lapp, Maryland's People's Counsel, supports the moratoriums, viewing them as essential for creating regulatory protections for ratepayers against the costs of data center energy demands. He noted that both state (Maryland Public Service Commission) and federal regulators are currently working on new rules to address these issues. State Sen. Katie Fry Hester added that the rapid expansion of the industry outpaces governmental oversight, stressing the need for local governments to update zoning ordinances and regulations to manage impacts like water, air, and noise. Maryland has also established the country's first state data center registry, though it won't be implemented until 2027.