Glass and Jawando introduce competing data center legislation

Montgomery County Council members Will Jawando and Evan Glass, both vying for county executive in the upcoming Democratic primary, have introduced competing bills concerning data center development. Mr. Jawando plans to introduce legislation for a two-year moratorium on new data center permits, citing concerns over clean water and affordable electricity. Meanwhile, Mr. Glass, who previously proposed a task force to assess data center impacts, has formally introduced a bill for a six-month moratorium. Both candidates are addressing community concerns that data centers could exacerbate water and air pollution and elevate energy costs, especially as the county considers a controversial development in Dickerson. Fellow county executive candidate Andrew Friedson has also commented on the issue, stating data centers should 'pay their own way' to protect local ratepayers.