Local Governments Debate Data Center Regulations and Moratoriums

Local governments in Maryland and California are grappling with the environmental and infrastructure impacts of data center expansion. In Maryland, the Baltimore County Planning Board held a public hearing on September 3 to discuss a study commissioned by the County Council. The report highlights significant resource demands, noting that an average facility uses roughly 18,000 gallons of water daily. While some proponents cited tax revenue for emergency services, residents and activists from Our Land Our Home raised alarms over noise pollution and power grid stability.

Baltimore officials are considering regulations that would prohibit data centers near neighborhoods and farms, replace by-right permits with full development approvals, and implement high-water usage tariffs. The Planning Board will vote on the report on September 17, while County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and the County Council are expected to vote on September 21 regarding a moratorium extension through 2027.

Meanwhile, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors in California rejected a proposed 45-day moratorium on data center development. District 2 Supervisor Ryan Campbell had sought the pause to prevent developers from being grandfathered in under old rules. Despite rejecting the pause, the board unanimously directed the Community Development Department to create a new ordinance defining data center standards. Board Chairman Steve Griefer suggested that facilities could potentially utilize contaminated water at the former Harvard Mine property to reduce county liability.