Judge Quashes Frederick Data Center Referendum Petition
A state judge ruled against a petition to put Frederick County's data center ordinance to a public referendum. The judge determined that zoning ordinances are not subject to referendums under the county charter, and found flaws in the petition. Residents supporting the referendum effort are expected to appeal the decision.
A state judge in Maryland has ruled against a petition aimed at subjecting Frederick County's recently enacted data center ordinance to a public referendum. Judge James A. Bonifant determined that under the Frederick County Charter, zoning ordinances are not classified as laws and therefore cannot be put to a public vote. The court also identified procedural flaws in how the petition presented information to voters.
This decision arises amid growing community concerns about data center development, particularly regarding potential environmental impacts and rising energy costs. Frederick County officials had previously conducted extensive research, including examining developments in neighboring Loudoun County, Virginia, to establish clear rules, prevent unchecked sprawl, and implement robust environmental standards for future data center growth.
Despite petitioners successfully gathering the required number of signatures, the judge's ruling has temporarily halted their efforts to challenge the ordinance through a referendum. However, residents who backed the referendum are expected to appeal the court's decision, indicating that the debate over data center regulation and energy policy in Frederick County is likely to continue.