Councilmember Evan Glass wants a 6-month pause on data center permits in Montgomery County

Name: Councilmember Evan Glass wants a 6-month pause on data center permits in Montgomery County
Uploaded: 2026-05-05T20:47:03.000Z
Duration: 35 s
Description: Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass has introduced a bill proposing a six-month moratorium on new data center permits. The move is driven by concerns over potential increases in utility costs and the impact on the county's climate change goals. Residents are also wary of the extensive data center development seen in neighboring Northern Virginia.

News Clip0:35WUSA9·Montgomery County, MD·5/5/2026

Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass has introduced a bill proposing a six-month moratorium on new data center permits. The move is driven by concerns over potential increases in utility costs and the impact on the county's climate change goals. Residents are also wary of the extensive data center development seen in neighboring Northern Virginia.

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Gov: Montgomery County Council

Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass has introduced legislation calling for a six-month pause on issuing county permits for new data centers. Glass stated that it is time to "pump the brakes" on data center construction, at least temporarily.

The Councilmember cited concerns among residents who observe the rapid data center expansion in Northern Virginia, expressing a desire to avoid similar infrastructure development in Montgomery County. He specifically noted that Northern Virginia's data centers have led to increased utility costs in the region.

Additionally, Glass is worried that the proliferation of data centers could hinder Montgomery County's efforts to achieve its climate change combating goals.