Advocate urges Baltimore to halt data center plans amid drought concerns
A food justice advocate is urging Baltimore officials to halt data center development while Maryland faces a third consecutive year of drought. The commentary argues that data centers could intensify water shortages and create environmental, public health and food security risks, particularly for Black and low-income communities.
Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III argues that Baltimore should pause consideration of AI data centers while Maryland remains under drought conditions and groundwater levels are critically low. He points to the substantial water demands of data centers and warns that additional withdrawals could affect drinking water, agriculture, food access and public health.
The commentary comes as the Baltimore City Council considers rules for AI data centers. Brown calls for comprehensive studies, transparent environmental safeguards and restrictions on projects that could deplete local resources or disproportionately burden Black, Brown and low-income communities. He also urges residents to organize against development, while noting that leaders across Maryland are considering moratoriums and other restrictions.