Data center activity in Maryland
Maryland's regulatory environment is marked by widespread moratorium adoption, with at least 147 moratoriums enacted and only 11 rejected, alongside unfavorable zoning outcomes of at least 6 approvals and 8 denials. Opposition has been effective, with at least 17 projects blocked compared to 8 approved despite resistance. This contrasts sharply with neighboring West Virginia, which has minimal moratorium or zoning friction, and even neighboring Virginia, which despite its own challenges has a far higher volume of zoning approvals. The 54 active companies demonstrate that market interest persists, driven by proximity to the Northern Virginia data center corridor, but Maryland's own local jurisdictions have proven resistant to hosting the same type of development that their neighbors attract.
Maryland's regulatory environment is marked by widespread moratorium adoption, with at least 147 moratoriums enacted and only 11 rejected, alongside unfavorable zoning outcomes of at least 6 approvals and 8 denials. Opposition has been effective, with at least 17 projects blocked compared to 8 approved despite resistance. This contrasts sharply with neighboring West Virginia, which has minimal moratorium or zoning friction, and even neighboring Virginia, which despite its own challenges has a far higher volume of zoning approvals. The 54 active companies demonstrate that market interest persists, driven by proximity to the Northern Virginia data center corridor, but Maryland's own local jurisdictions have proven resistant to hosting the same type of development that their neighbors attract.
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Pocomoke City officials are holding a meeting to discuss a proposed one-year moratorium on data centers. Local residents express concerns about potential noise, water usage, and tax implications of data center development. This meeting represents the first reading of the temporary moratorium proposal.
The Town of Hurlock, Maryland, approved a three-year moratorium on data centers to allow the local government time to research their potential impacts. This decision aims to ensure the community can make informed decisions based on comprehensive information.
Maryland communities are evaluating the economic benefits of data centers against concerns like high electricity demand, land use, and noise. The Baltimore Sun is conducting a reader poll to gather opinions on whether the state should impose limits on new data center construction, drawing parallels to discussions in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Maryland is currently considering how to regulate future data center development within the state. Lawmakers are looking to Loudoun County, Virginia, a major data center hub, as a cautionary example for potential regulations and impacts.
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has faced strong community opposition and political fallout over data center development, particularly concerning a controversial overlay zoning change. Despite legal rulings upholding the zoning by disallowing a public referendum, Fitzwater later enacted a pause on new data center applications. The lead developer, Catellus, has pledged $110 million in community benefits to mitigate local concerns.
More than half of Maryland's counties have taken action to pause data center development, with some enacting outright bans and others considering new restrictions. This trend includes an outright ban in Harford County and pending restrictions in Anne Arundel County, reflecting a widespread move by local governments to regulate data center growth across the state.
Data centers across the Chesapeake Bay region are encountering significant development restrictions, including outright bans and moratoriums. This trend indicates a growing number of localities are implementing pauses or prohibitions on data center construction. The article highlights a regional pattern of regulatory actions impacting the industry.
Baltimore County residents attended a public hearing to discuss a 51-page study on data centers. Most speakers opposed the developments due to concerns over electricity use, water depletion, lost green spaces, and limited job creation, while some supported them for providing essential services and construction jobs. The hearing also touched on a proposal to extend the county's data center moratorium.
The Baltimore County Planning Board held a public hearing regarding its Data Center Study Report, where residents expressed sharp debate. A vote on the report is anticipated in September. The report likely pertains to future data center development regulations in the county.
Residents in Baltimore County are advocating for a complete ban on data centers, citing ongoing concerns about environmental impacts. This public outcry occurs as planning officials are nearing a final vote on a report that proposes potential regulations for such facilities.
The Baltimore County Planning Board is reviewing a comprehensive report on data centers, prompted by the County Council. Residents voiced strong opposition due to concerns about noise, electricity, water usage, and property values, while others highlighted potential tax revenue benefits. The board is expected to vote on the report on September 17 before sending it to the County Council for a final decision.
Baltimore County residents attended a public hearing to voice strong opposition to data center developments, citing concerns over electricity use, water depletion, and green space loss. This hearing followed a report by the Planning Board on regulating data centers, which also recommended against placing them near residential areas. The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote on extending the current year-long moratorium on data center development.
Baltimore County residents expressed strong opposition to large data centers at a Planning Board hearing, citing concerns about power and water consumption, pollution, and noise. The county is considering new regulations, including prohibiting data centers near neighborhoods and farms and requiring full development process steps. The County Council is also expected to vote on extending a data center moratorium through 2027.
Residents in Towson, Baltimore County, rallied ahead of a public hearing on a draft data center study. The study proposes tough restrictions, including conditional approvals and setbacks from residential areas. The county currently has a data center moratorium in place until 2027.
SMECO and other Maryland utilities have proposed new rate rules for data centers and other large electricity users to the Maryland Public Service Commission. These rules aim to ensure that residential customers do not bear the financial risks of grid infrastructure built for energy-intensive developments. The proposal is currently under regulatory review, addressing concerns about large-load customers covering their connection costs.
Frederick County, Maryland, is holding open houses to discuss proposed regulations for data centers as a moratorium on development is set to expire by year-end. County leaders are seeking public input on how data centers will be regulated moving forward.
Frederick County has secured a Community Benefits Agreement with Catellus for the Frederick Digital Campus, totaling over $110 million in developer-funded community investments. The agreement also includes significant changes to the already-approved data center development, such as a nearly 20% reduction in planned development and an 80% cut in potable water use. This initiative follows public concerns and recommendations from a data center workgroup, with a formal public review process for a Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement currently underway.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is shifting his stance on data centers, now emphasizing local control and asserting the industry should not override local opinion. Concurrently, Baltimore County lawmakers are seeking to extend the county's moratorium on data center development for another year, awaiting a finalized report from the Planning Board on regulation.
Prince George's County, Maryland is currently under a two-year moratorium on data center development, enacted last summer, while a task force examines their impact. The discussion centers on the county's financial needs, property taxes, and the potential for data centers to provide revenue, emphasizing the need for thoughtful regulation rather than an outright ban.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's stance on data centers has evolved from actively courting the industry to emphasizing local control, amid rising concerns over electricity and land use. This shift comes as a massive Amazon Web Services facility is under construction in Adamstown, Frederick County, and Frederick County has enacted a moratorium on new data center applications. The State Senate also overrode the Governor's veto on a bill requiring a study of data center impacts.