Prince George's County hits pause on data center development
Prince George's County Council has approved a two-year moratorium on new hyperscale data center development, which can be lifted if new comprehensive regulations are passed. This decision followed a heated debate between community groups concerned about health and the environment, and business interests worried about economic impact. Neighboring counties like Montgomery and Frederick have already enacted similar pauses.
The Prince George's County Council has voted to implement a two-year moratorium on new hyperscale data center development. This decision, which passed by a 7-3 vote, includes a provision allowing the moratorium to be lifted earlier if the council establishes comprehensive new regulations for data centers. Council Chair Crystal Oreada stated that the responsibility now lies with the council to develop this legislation, with Council member Sheila Adams Stafford reportedly working on a proposal within the next few months.
The vote followed a contentious public comment session that highlighted deep divisions. Opponents, identified as "concerned communities," argued that data centers provide only temporary jobs primarily for out-of-state workers and are an "assault on our health and our environment." Conversely, labor unions and development teams voiced their opposition to the moratorium, asserting it would harm local businesses and was "excessive" and "not necessary." During the session, council members accused some data center supporters of being paid to protest, an accusation they denied.
Prince George's County's action mirrors similar measures taken in nearby Montgomery and Frederick counties, which have also approved comparable development pauses. The report also noted that Prince William County, Virginia, officials are contemplating whether to proceed with plans for a 42-million-square-foot technology hub. This regional pushback underscores a growing concern in the DMV area regarding the rapid expansion of data centers.
The debate revealed that even proponents of data centers, such as unions and business development groups, expressed caution, acknowledging the need for further examination through a previously convened task force. However, they advocated against a complete rejection of all data centers. In stark contrast, community members adamantly opposed any new data center construction in Prince George's County. The fact that several council members abstained from voting suggests an ongoing effort to reconcile these divergent viewpoints.