Key facts
- Montgomery County lawmakers approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development.
- The moratorium applies to facilities requiring at least 25 megawatts.
- Facilities without a building permit are included in the moratorium.
- The moratorium aims to allow for deliberation on appropriate regulations.
- The development pause is for 18 months.
Montgomery County lawmakers have voted to implement an 18-month moratorium on the development of new large data centers within the county. The decision specifically targets facilities that require a minimum of 25 megawatts of power and have not yet obtained a building permit. This pause in development is designed to give county officials and stakeholders an extended period to deliberate and establish comprehensive regulations governing the construction and operation of data centers. The surge in demand for data center infrastructure has prompted this regulatory review, aiming to balance economic development with community concerns. The moratorium will remain in effect for the stipulated 18 months, during which time the county is expected to finalize its regulatory framework for these energy-intensive facilities.