We need a 2-year pause on all Data Center development in Montgomery County!

Hyperscale data centers are being proposed for Montgomery County

The County government is not sufficiently informed on how to craft a complete set of regulations to make sure that county residents' health and quality of life are placed ahead of data center interests. Join us in this action alert to tell your councilmembers that we need a 2-year moratorium now.

Why are we concerned?
Right now large data centers are not zoned anywhere in Montgomery County. However, there is a data center application moving forward in the Planning Department and the County Council is moving forward with the zoning amendment Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 26-01, that would allow data centers to be built in the industrial zones (see maps).

Data centers have significant impacts related to water use, noise, electricity demands and greenhouse gas emissions. The County’s own Climate Assessment states the ZTA will generate “emissions associated with electricity usage which could have major negative impacts” and “anticipate larger negative impacts specifically to water quality and quantity”. The ZTA also does not adequately address proximity of possible data center sites to neighborhoods or sensitive infrastructure such as schools or houses of worship.

The county clearly does not have enough information to address these issues.

What is the status of the proposed hyperscale data center application?

What is the County Council doing to regulate data centers?

Despite extensive public testimony in support of a 2 year data center moratorium, a committee work session has not been scheduled. However, the Council is nonetheless going forward with a work session on July 22 to discuss the Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 26-01 which would allow large data centers (greater than 20 MW) in any light, medium, and heavy industrial zone in the County (see maps).

Take action today!

Use this Action Alert to reach out to your Councilmembers to table ZTA 26-01 and support a 2-year moratorium and ensure the Council can enact informed legislation that protects you and all residents of the county. Ask your council member about their views on allowing data centers in your neighborhood. Make your voice heard, your opinion matters!

Thank you for your support,

Climate Coalition Montgomery County

Learn more at climatecoalitionmoco.org/our-priorities/data-centers



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