Data centers debated in Baltimore County Council contest
Candidates in Baltimore County Council's District 5 race disagree over whether the county's data center moratorium, which runs through December 2027, is sufficient. Two candidates support a permanent ban, while incumbent Republican Councilman Nino Mangione says the moratorium provides time to study data centers' potential economic benefits and environmental impacts.
Data centers have become a central issue in Baltimore County's District 5 council race. Democratic candidate Shawn McIntosh and independent candidate Cory Shaffer support banning hyperscale data centers, citing concerns about water and energy consumption, environmental harm and the possibility of private deals that exclude residents.
Republican Councilman Nino Mangione defended the county's moratorium, which the council unanimously extended through December 2027. Mangione said the pause will allow officials to gather more information about the industry's potential economic benefits and consequences, while accusing McIntosh of using the issue for political advantage.