Data center activity in Maryland
Maryland has experienced a significant deterioration in its regulatory environment, driven by intense moratorium activity with at least 18 moratoriums enacted and 8 rejected. The high number of rejections is notable, indicating that while many jurisdictions have imposed pauses, others are actively pushing back against moratorium proposals. Zoning data is sparse with only 4 approvals and 2 denials reported, and no projects have been blocked through opposition, though only 1 has been approved despite opposition. At least 6 lawsuits have been filed, adding legal complexity. Unlike neighboring Virginia, where opposition and zoning denials dominate, Maryland's challenges are concentrated in the moratorium space, reflecting a state where communities are using development pauses as the primary tool to manage data center growth.
Maryland has experienced a significant deterioration in its regulatory environment, driven by intense moratorium activity with at least 18 moratoriums enacted and 8 rejected. The high number of rejections is notable, indicating that while many jurisdictions have imposed pauses, others are actively pushing back against moratorium proposals. Zoning data is sparse with only 4 approvals and 2 denials reported, and no projects have been blocked through opposition, though only 1 has been approved despite opposition. At least 6 lawsuits have been filed, adding legal complexity. Unlike neighboring Virginia, where opposition and zoning denials dominate, Maryland's challenges are concentrated in the moratorium space, reflecting a state where communities are using development pauses as the primary tool to manage data center growth.
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Residents in Frederick County, Maryland, are concerned about the area becoming a "data center alley" as it has more planned hyperscale data centers than any other county in the state. This significant development is raising fears among the local community regarding the future landscape.
The Charles County Planning Commission unanimously recommended rejecting a proposed zoning amendment that would establish new rules for data center development. The decision followed a public hearing where community members voiced concerns about energy prices, noise, water usage, and environmental impacts. The proposal now advances to the Board of County Commissioners for a final vote.
A planned 600-acre nature reserve, initially touted as a key community benefit for the Quantum Frederick data center campus, has been canceled after original developer Quantum Loophole exited the project. Catellus Development Corporation, the new developer, has not committed to a similar reserve, leading to concerns from environmental groups like Sugarloaf Alliance. The project also faced a lawsuit and environmental violations under Quantum Loophole's management.
Howard County Council unanimously passed the S.M.A.R.T. Act, temporarily halting new data center developments and establishing a task force. The moratorium aims to update outdated zoning regulations and ensure responsible growth in the county.
Calvert County, Maryland is continuing to develop text amendments for data center regulations, considering recommendations from the Planning Commission. Proposed rules include generator testing limits, setbacks, and a decommissioning plan. The Board of County Commissioners acknowledge challenges in creating regulations due to the evolving nature and unstudied impacts of data centers.
Maryland political candidates from both parties are blaming data centers for rising residential energy costs and advocating for increased regulations. Governor Wes Moore signed the Utility RELIEF Act, which includes provisions for stricter data center regulations and aims to lower energy bills. Some candidates are also calling for a two-year moratorium on data center construction in the state.
Calvert County's Environmental Commission has formally requested that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) implement an immediate pause on data center development. The commission cited significant environmental concerns and a lack of adequate information to make informed decisions. They highlighted similar moratoriums enacted in other Maryland counties.
Queen Anne's County has enacted a pause on data center applications. This action indicates a temporary halt to new data center development in the county.
Queen Anne's County has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development, joining several other Maryland jurisdictions in pausing or restricting new facilities. The moratorium allows the county to study potential impacts on infrastructure, land use, utilities, and environmental resources, and to develop new zoning regulations. Other Maryland counties like Howard, Baltimore, and Carroll have also approved similar moratoriums, while Harford County is pursuing a permanent ban and Baltimore City is considering a pause.
Frederick County, Maryland, is experiencing a boom in planned hyperscale data centers, leading to local concerns about the area resembling 'data center alley' in Loudoun County, Virginia. Following a Frederick County Council vote to expand the data center development zone by 1,000 acres, local pushback has intensified, with a resident committee actively campaigning for a public vote on the issue.
The Howard County Council has unanimously approved a temporary ban on data center development until November 2, 2027. This action follows a proposed data center development and aims to allow a newly established task force to define data centers and recommend necessary zoning changes. Howard County joins other Maryland counties in implementing similar limitations.
Calvert County commissioners once again voted down a motion to hold a public hearing on a proposed two-year moratorium on data center approvals, despite an impassioned plea from the county's Environmental Commission. The commission highlighted potential negative environmental and health impacts, while the planning and zoning department continues drafting text amendments for data center development.
Worcester County, Maryland is moving to regulate cable landing sites and data centers. This action follows the county's zoning administrator denying Globalinx's request to classify its proposed cable landing station as a public utility, citing that the project does not directly serve the general public under county code.
Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson's membership on the Data Center Alliance of Maryland steering committee has raised conflict of interest concerns. This issue arose during a Planning Commission hearing on a proposed data center zoning amendment, which the commission recommended denying. Residents have cited Patterson's role in an industry advocacy group while he votes on local data center policy as problematic.
Howard County Council unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new data center construction and applications. The measure awaits County Executive Calvin Ball's signature to become law. The ban aims to allow officials to study potential impacts and develop updated zoning regulations.
The Howard County Council has passed a two-year temporary pause on new data center development to study their impacts and update outdated regulations. This action follows similar steps taken by other counties in Maryland, with a task force set to investigate data centers' effects on location, noise, energy, and water usage.
Howard County is progressing with plans to implement a moratorium on data center development. This action indicates the county is taking formal steps towards introducing a temporary halt on new data center projects within its jurisdiction.
The Howard County Council in Maryland unanimously passed a measure to enact a moratorium on new data center construction and applications. The ban, awaiting County Executive Calvin Ball's signature, aims to modernize outdated county code and establish a task force to study the impact of these facilities. It will remain in effect until November 2, 2027, or until new zoning regulations are adopted.
The Howard County Council in Maryland unanimously passed a temporary moratorium on new data center development, effective until November 2027. A task force will be established to study the impacts of data centers and advise the council on future regulations. This action aims to address outdated zoning laws and growing concerns about environmental and economic impacts.
The Charles County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend denial of a revised data center zoning amendment, following extensive public testimony. Residents expressed concerns about utility costs, noise, farmland preservation, wildlife impacts, and quality-of-life issues. The final decision rests with the Board of County Commissioners.