Maryland Eastern Shore counties consider or pass data center moratoriums
Salisbury, Md. – On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, county governments are considering moratoriums to better understand the impact of data centers.
In Worcester County, officials have passed a year-long moratorium on data centers and cable-landing sites to determine and address potential impacts on the environment, energy demands, water and aesthetics.
In Wicomico County, John T. Cannon, the county council president, said the council is considering a moratorium of possibly a year to give the planning and zoning department more time to evaluate the pros and cons of having “AI centers with the community.”
“We feel like it’s necessary to get ahead of this,” he said. He also said that because it is an emerging industry and technology, there are still many unknowns.
Somerset County is also proposing a moratorium on data centers. In an email to WMDT, Jesse Drewer, director of Somerset’s Technical and Community Services said:
“No data center has been proposed in Somerset County however the County is currently looking at the options available to regulate data centers, similar to our neighboring counties. This has been a very emergent field that is not currently addressed in the county zoning code. [Planning and Zoning] Staff will continue to advise the County Commissioners on the recommended steps to ensure this is addressed in the zoning code in an update in the near future and how to proceed in the interim until it is officially a section of the Zoning Code.”
In Caroline County, however, one town is considering plans for a data center. Despite Caroline County approving a year-long moratorium on data centers in the unincorporated areas within the county this month, Federalsburg, an incorporated town, a proposed data center remains under consideration by the town.
“My position has been consistent throughout this process. I believe residents deserve a meaningful opportunity to have their voices heard before a project of this size moves forward, particularly those who would be most directly impacted,” Federalsburg Councilmember Brandy James said in an email statement to WMDT.
State Sen. Johnny Mautz (R – District 37) attended a public hearing earlier this month to see how residents reacted to the proposed development.
“It was a little confusing. Everyone is trying to understand what is actually transpiring,” he said. “I think that everyone left the room determined to verify the statements that were made.”
James said she also supports discussing whether Federalsburg should amend its Charter to allow for a special election or other mechanism that “gives affected residents a direct voice on major projects with significant long-term impacts.” As for how neighboring counties are responding, she said she understands why local governments are taking time to evaluate the potential impacts of large-scale projects like data centers.
“Temporary moratoriums can provide communities with an opportunity to review zoning, infrastructure capacity, environmental considerations, and long-term planning before making decisions that could affect residents for decades,” she said. “Every municipality must determine what is appropriate based on its own Charter, ordinances, and community priorities, but I believe taking the time to fully evaluate these issues is a reasonable approach.”
A moratorium on data centers will be discussed as an agenda item at the next Wicomico County Council meeting on August 4th at 6 p.m.
