Baltimore County data center moratorium extended through 2027
The Baltimore County Council unanimously voted to extend its data center moratorium through 2027. This decision follows the Baltimore County Planning Board's recommendations for strict limits on data centers, including noise/vibration studies and caps on electricity and water usage. Concurrently, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a statewide executive order to establish clear safeguards and a task force for large data center projects, focusing on community and environmental protection.
The Baltimore County Council has unanimously voted to extend its moratorium on new data center construction until the end of 2027. This action follows a unanimous approval by the Baltimore County Planning Board of a report recommending stringent limits on data centers.
The report proposes prohibiting data centers on agricultural land and within 500 feet of sensitive areas such as day care centers, parks, and schools. It also calls for mandatory noise and vibration studies before and after construction, with post-construction audits occurring at regular intervals. Furthermore, the report suggests implementing an overall cap on total electrical and water usage by data centers within the county to manage environmental and resource risks.
Adding to the regulatory landscape, Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed a statewide executive order establishing strict guardrails for data centers. Governor Moore stated that this order aims to put control in the hands of Marylanders, ensuring they do not bear the costs of rising electricity bills or environmental pollution. The order mandates a single standard, review process, and public record for all large data center projects in the state using 25 megawatts or more and seeking state action. It also creates a Maryland Data Center Task Force, comprising various state departments, to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection for ratepayers and the environment.