Data center activity in Maryland
Maryland's regulatory picture is dominated by extensive moratorium activity, with at least 72 enacted and 10 rejected, reflecting widespread local-level resistance to data center expansion, particularly in areas adjacent to Virginia's Northern Virginia corridor. Zoning outcomes are nearly balanced, with at least 5 approvals and 3 denials, and opposition has produced mixed results with 2 projects blocked and 4 approved despite pushback. With 32 active companies and 451 clips providing high confidence, Maryland attracts developers seeking proximity to major fiber routes and federal customers despite the regulatory challenges. Compared to neighboring Virginia, where opposition manifests primarily through zoning denials and project blockages, Maryland's friction is concentrated more heavily in moratorium activity, creating different but equally significant obstacles to development.
Maryland's regulatory picture is dominated by extensive moratorium activity, with at least 72 enacted and 10 rejected, reflecting widespread local-level resistance to data center expansion, particularly in areas adjacent to Virginia's Northern Virginia corridor. Zoning outcomes are nearly balanced, with at least 5 approvals and 3 denials, and opposition has produced mixed results with 2 projects blocked and 4 approved despite pushback. With 32 active companies and 451 clips providing high confidence, Maryland attracts developers seeking proximity to major fiber routes and federal customers despite the regulatory challenges. Compared to neighboring Virginia, where opposition manifests primarily through zoning denials and project blockages, Maryland's friction is concentrated more heavily in moratorium activity, creating different but equally significant obstacles to development.
How is this scored?
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier supports extending the data center moratorium in Baltimore County past the end of the year. Five of the seven council members also back an extension, with legislation expected to be introduced as early as August 3. Concerns over environmental and energy impacts are cited as reasons for the extension.
Baltimore County has a moratorium on new data centers, with a Planning Board report recommending conditional approvals if the pause is lifted. Councilman Marks is advocating for an extension of the current moratorium to allow for more public input and for the newly elected County Council to provide their insights before any decisions are finalized.
The Prince George's County Planning Board considered a proposed zoning amendment, LDR-155-2026, which would permit qualified data centers in Agricultural Residential and Rural Estate zones. Despite the Planning Department's recommendation to oppose the amendment, the Board voted to take no position, sending the legislation to the Prince George's County Council for further consideration. This decision prolongs the ongoing debate over data center development in the county.
Charles County commissioners have halted a contentious data center zoning proposal (ZTA 25-187) after nearly a year of significant public opposition. The decision effectively keeps data centers as a non-permitted use in the county, with officials now planning to establish a task force and engage an outside consultant to restart the process.
Montgomery County is seeking to enact a moratorium on data center development. This proposal is facing increasing public opposition.
The Prince George's County Planning Board opted to take no position on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance that could permit data centers in agricultural and residential zones. This decision came despite staff recommendations against the amendment and significant resident opposition, and after the County Council had already enacted a two-year moratorium on data center development. The amendment, proposed by Council member Wanika Fisher, aims to establish regulations for data centers in the county's future.
Prince George's County residents expressed frustration after the planning board gave an ambiguous response to a proposed zoning change that could allow data centers in rural areas. Despite staff opposition and an existing two-year moratorium, the board neither recommended nor opposed the change. This indecision has left the community disappointed and the future of data center development in the county uncertain.
Prince George's County is currently considering new zoning regulations that would affect data center development. The county's government body is reviewing potential changes to its zoning policies related to these facilities.
Prince George's County Board of Planning met to discuss a proposed zoning change allowing data centers in rural areas, despite an existing county moratorium. The board adopted staff findings opposing the change but did not make a direct recommendation to the County Council, frustrating opponents. This zoning proposal aims to establish future data center locations if the moratorium is eventually lifted.
Worcester County officials have enacted a 12-month moratorium on all new data center and cable landing station projects, immediately halting a Globalinx project in West Ocean City. This pause allows the county to study potential impacts, including energy and water demands, and develop specific regulations. Globalinx, whose project involves Amazon Web Services, expressed disappointment but will evaluate its options.
A citizen-led referendum in Frederick County, Maryland, aimed at overturning a 2,600-acre data center overlay zone was rejected by the Maryland Supreme Court. The court found the petition ineligible due to technical issues with its formatting and content, despite over 21,000 signatures being collected. This marks the first time a citizen-initiated referendum on a county council action has gone to court in Frederick County.
A Republican candidate for Baltimore County is advocating for a permanent ban on data center development within the county until adequate safeguards are put in place. This reader commentary highlights growing political opposition to data center projects and calls for stricter governmental controls.
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.
The Montgomery County Council is considering a proposal to delay data center developments. This suggests a potential moratorium or pause on new projects in the county.
The Prince George's County Planning Board is holding a hearing to consider permanent zoning ordinance changes for data centers, following an approved two-year moratorium. These changes would determine if data centers can be built in Agricultural-Residential and Residential-Estate zones. There is growing public pushback regarding potential impacts, especially in economically disadvantaged communities.
Prince George's County is experiencing renewed debate over data center development, despite a recently approved moratorium. A new proposal would permit data centers in rural, agricultural, and residential areas, prompting concerns from opponents about environmental and financial impacts. Both advocates and opponents are expected to voice their opinions at an upcoming planning commission meeting.
A Montgomery County Council committee in Maryland is recommending an 18-month pause on actions related to data center development. This proposal suggests halting decisions and permits for data centers in the county for a year and a half. The measure aims to allow time for further study or planning regarding data center impacts.
A mass text message campaign promoting data center development was sent to 100,000 Prince George's County residents, funded by Reverend Derek Green's Interfaith Action Movement. This occurred shortly after the county council approved a moratorium on new data center development. The planning board is now set to review legislation that could permit data centers in certain agricultural and residential zones, leading residents to feel their moratorium victory is short-lived.
The AI boom is driving significant electricity demand and infrastructure costs across the Washington region, leading to debates among officials in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland about who should bear these costs. Prince George's County has approved a two-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, while Virginia's administration is pushing for data center companies to pay more for necessary transmission projects. Public opposition to data centers, citing concerns over energy and water use, is also growing.
The Dorchester County Council is considering implementing a moratorium on data center developments and has directed staff to research the issue. Concerns about electricity, water usage, noise, and property values were raised. The council did not vote on a moratorium but expects a recommendation from the County Manager by August.