Baltimore City Council committee advances bill to pause new data center development for one year

The Baltimore City Council committee has moved forward with a bill that would implement a one-year moratorium on new data center construction in the city. This temporary halt is designed to give officials time to study the potential impacts of such developments on energy costs, local neighborhoods, and the environment. Council President Zeke Cohen expressed concerns about the burden on residents already facing high utility bills from BGE, advocating for a cautious approach to projects that could exacerbate these issues. Supporters of the bill highlighted worries about increased power demand, water consumption, air quality degradation, and noise pollution associated with data centers. While environmental advocates pushed for even stricter regulations, business groups cautioned the city against adopting measures that could deter future investment and job creation. The committee approved several amendments to the bill, including requirements for a comprehensive study and community input, and established a one-year sunset clause for the moratorium. This legislative action reflects a growing trend among local governments to scrutinize the rapid expansion of the data center industry and its broader implications for urban infrastructure and resident welfare.