Pushback against data center development across the Washington, D.C., region is growing stronger by the day as more Maryland counties pass temporary construction bans on the AI-fueled infrastructure.
Montgomery County, the latest jurisdiction to join the trend, voted Tuesday to pass an 18-month moratorium on permits for data centers. The measure was a compromise between two competing proposals: a six-month moratorium and a two-year pause.
The legislative body also approved a zoning text amendment that defines hyperscale data centers and prohibits the construction of the facilities in the Maryland county for now.
“The purpose of the amended zoning measure, together with the 18-month moratorium on permits for large data centers, is to allow the necessary time for the Council to deliberate on appropriate guardrails for large data centers in the County, and do so in collaboration with the state,” Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-Gonzalez said in a statement.
“Indeed, I believe that well-defined guidelines are necessary now so all stakeholders can clearly understand the rules of the road as we work out the comprehensive approach for data centers in the Montgomery County,” she added.
Councilman Evan Glass, who proposed the six-month moratorium, has expressed concerns about data centers’ impact on the Potomac River and utility ratepayers. The technology infrastructure requires vast amounts of electricity for power and water for cooling.
“I’ve been working tirelessly to hit pause on data center development in Montgomery County so we can protect the Potomac River, prevent an exorbitant rise in electric bills, and chart a more sustainable path forward,” Glass said. “This moratorium is a necessary step to give our community the time we need to make thoughtful, responsible decisions about our future and to ensure that economic growth never comes at the expense of our environment, our ratepayers, or the quality of life we value.”
Prince George’s County and Frederick County have also pursued efforts to slow down the rapid development of data centers. Prince George’s passed a two-year moratorium, and Frederick ordered a six-month pause.
Meanwhile, Maryland is conducting a comprehensive state-level study on the energy demands, environmental impacts, and economic effects associated with data centers. The state government’s report is due on Sept. 1.
In northern Virginia, Loudoun County is considering a data center moratorium similar to the Maryland counties’ bans. Last week, elected officials in Loudoun County voted to direct county staff to prepare options for a temporary moratorium on new data center applications by Sept. 15.
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Residents have complained about the incessant noise caused by data centers and their strain on the county’s electric grid. The county attorney will review the legislation’s legality.
Northern Virginia is regarded as the data center capital of the world. Much of this infrastructure is concentrated in Ashburn, known locally as Data Center Alley. Hundreds of data centers in the region handle an estimated 70% of global internet traffic daily.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
