Data Center Signal is tracking 6 clips about Terra Energy data center developments across 1 states, including MD.
Montgomery County committees are advancing an 18-month moratorium and a zoning text amendment to define data centers and temporarily prohibit them county-wide. These actions aim to create comprehensive regulations for data center development, driven partly by a large project proposed in Dickerson by Atmosphere Data Centers.
Atmosphere Data Centers is appealing a zoning interpretation by Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services, which is based on an executive order by County Executive Marc Elrich imposing a six-month moratorium on data center permits. The developer argues the department misinterpreted the order and that the executive order itself is unlawful. Concurrently, the County Council is considering its own legislative proposals for a moratorium and zoning restrictions.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed an executive order imposing a six-month pause on new data center permits, allowing the County Council time to develop new regulations. The moratorium does not affect the Montgomery Planning Board's review of existing applications, such as Atmosphere Data Centers' project in Dickerson. The County Council is actively working on several proposals, including zoning text amendments and further moratorium legislation.
Environmental activists and local officials are raising concerns about the potential climate and water impacts of Atmosphere Data Centers' proposed 110-acre campus in Dickerson, Montgomery County, Maryland. The project, planned for a former coal plant site owned by Terra Energy, faces calls for 100% renewable energy use and a temporary moratorium on data center construction in the county due to its significant power and water demands.
Atmosphere Data Centers proposes a large campus in Dickerson, Montgomery County, Maryland, on the site of a former coal plant. This project faces significant local opposition and prompts discussions on county-wide zoning restrictions and a potential moratorium on data center development due to environmental and power concerns. Separately, a lawsuit related to the QLoop fiber project in the region has been settled.
Montgomery County, Maryland is considering a moratorium on data center development due to concerns from residents about the environmental and utility impacts of these facilities. The county executive and council are exploring policy solutions like requiring data centers to use on-site renewable energy generation and entering into power purchase agreements for renewable power.