Salisbury considers one-year moratorium on data center proposals

Salisbury, Maryland, is deliberating a one-year moratorium on new data center proposals, a decision anticipated to be considered by the Salisbury City Council at its September 28 legislative meeting. The proposed pause aims to allow city officials ample time to thoroughly investigate various issues associated with data center development, including demands on water and electricity resources, land use considerations, zoning regulations, and potential environmental effects.

Mayor Randy Taylor emphasized the city's ongoing efforts to gather comprehensive information to distinguish facts from speculation regarding data center development. He highlighted persistent questions about the strain such facilities could place on essential services like water and electricity, as well as their integration within the city's existing zoning framework.

Bill Chambers, President of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, supports the idea of developing policies through a moratorium, viewing it as a beneficial step to create governing regulations. However, he cautioned against using it merely to defer action. The Wicomico Environmental Trust, led by Board President Carol Dunahoo, also backs the proposed moratorium, advocating for a detailed examination of impacts on water supplies, air quality, the electrical grid, and noise before allowing data centers. Dunahoo specifically noted the critical importance of water use considerations for the Lower Shore region, which relies on groundwater. The group also advocates for a task force involving community members, scientists, and utility experts.

This consideration by Salisbury follows a similar action by Wicomico County, which enacted its own one-year moratorium on data center proposals in August, suggesting a broader regional effort to understand and regulate the burgeoning industry.