Montgomery County Council poised to pass 18-month data center moratorium
Montgomery County, Maryland, is poised to extend its data center moratorium to 18 months, replacing an earlier six-month ban. The County Council's economic development committee advanced the proposal for a full council vote, while another committee proposed defining data centers in the county's zoning code. Atmosphere Data Centers, which plans to build five facilities in Dickerson, has already challenged the previous ban and awaits the council's final decision.
The Montgomery County Council in Maryland is preparing to vote on an 18-month extension of its moratorium on new data center permits, a move that would replace a six-month ban enacted by County Executive Marc Elrich in June. Eight council members have indicated support for the extended pause, which was advanced by the economic development committee for a full council vote next Tuesday.
Simultaneously, the council’s committee on planning, housing and parks advanced a proposal to define data centers in the county’s zoning code for the first time. This legislation would prevent further data center construction until planners and council members establish permitted locations within the county.
California-based Atmosphere Data Centers, which has plans for five facilities in Dickerson, has challenged the existing six-month moratorium by filing an appeal with the county’s Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings. Atmosphere CEO Chuck McBride stated the company awaits the council’s final action and remains committed to collaboration. Environmental advocates have applauded the council committees' decisions, calling for resident and expert input on future data center standards. The proposed moratorium follows similar actions in other Maryland counties like Prince George’s and statewide bans, such as a recent one-year pause enacted in New York by Gov. Kathy Hochul.