HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — With communities across the region concerned about data centers, a Harford County Council member announced plans to introduce a moratorium on data centers.
Similar to what other counties and jurisdictions have put in place or are discussing, during a meeting Tuesday, County Council member Jacob Bennett said he wants to introduce the moratorium to ensure the county has safeguards against data centers in place.
“If this is to come, that the benefits outmatch the harms, and we know there are tremendous risks of harm,” Bennett said.
ALSO READ | Authorities investigating unrelated violent crimes in Aberdeen
These comments came after a presentation by the Data Center Alliance, providing additional information about data centers and some of their benefits. Representatives during the meeting pointed out how AI is not the only driving factor behind data center demand, and they also pointed to the possibility for increased revenue, additional jobs and ways data centers can use resources like water and energy responsibly.
“The action in Annapolis this session to make sure that if there was a data center project pursued, it’s going to have to provide its own, you know, power. It can’t generate a net negative impact on ratepayers,” Tom Sadowski, CEO of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, said.
Many residents largely spoke out against data centers, concerned about impacts they could have on the local community.
“This is not the right direction for Harford County at all,” one resident said.
Too often projects like this are presented as progress first, while the real consequences are sorted out later, and those consequences matter.”
A statement from County Executive Bob Cassilly reads, “Over the past year, my administration has been following closely the national debate and serious concerns regarding data centers, and I want to be clear on my administration’s position on this important issue. Data centers are not currently permitted under the Harford County Code anywhere in the county. Although we have received proposals from outside entities to change the zoning code, I have significant concerns regarding the negative impact these facilities would have on our community. They would pose considerable burdens on energy and water resources and create significant noise, all to the detriment of residents.”
“I do not support any legislation by the County Council to bring data centers into our county. We need a far better understanding of measures that must be taken to address the serious concerns data centers present to our community before we can properly consider any data center legislation,” Cassilly’s statement continued to read.
A spokesperson from the County Executive’s Office confirmed no formal proposals have been received for data centers in the county since they are not currently allowed.
In response, Bennett posted to social media saying, “Nobody on the County Council is considering legislation to bring Data Centers to Harford County. I don’t know why the County Executive is implying that this is the case. I am working to introduce a MORATORIUM on Data Centers, which would make a blanket prohibition on their approval until we are able to learn more and put proper guardrails in place to protect the community. Is it that the County Executive is not paying attention and basing his statement on second hand accounts or is he trying to purposefully misinform the public? I won’t let his weapons of mass distraction pull me away from doing the necessary work to protect my community.”
Local Story
