PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Prince George’s County council member is urging county leaders to consider future data center development despite strong public opposition and an existing moratorium on new projects.
Councilmember Wanika Fisher has introduced legislation that would establish regulations governing where and how data centers could be built in the county, potentially creating a pathway to lift a two-year moratorium approved earlier this year.
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The moratorium was enacted after growing public concern over the environmental, infrastructure and community impacts of data centers. At the time, the County Council included a provision allowing the moratorium to be lifted if lawmakers adopted regulations for the industry.
At a council meeting Tuesday, opponents of data center development reiterated their resistance to the projects.
“Every survey says 80% of residents say no on data centers,” one speaker told the council. “No, no, no, no, no.”
Fisher, who is term-limited and will leave office in December, said county leaders should remain open to discussing the issue.
“I think we have to be open-minded,” Fisher said. “I always tell people I agree with being open-minded about where we are, so we’re not left behind.”
Her proposal would establish requirements such as minimum acreage for data center campuses and minimum setbacks from residential communities.
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“My aim is to have a conversation based on real information,” Fisher said.
The measure faces uncertain prospects. Council Chair Krystal Oriadha said she does not support lifting the moratorium, citing concerns about the long-term effects of rapid data center expansion.
“They’re moving so fast without understanding the consequences or preparing the infrastructure,” Oriadha said. “We don’t know what the consequences long term are going to be for health.”
Supporters of exploring data center development argue the facilities could generate significant revenue for the county. County Executive Aisha Braveboy and former Council Chair Ed Burroughs have both pointed to the potential economic benefits.
Fisher said the county’s growing budget challenges make it necessary to consider all possible revenue sources.
“I don’t see where the money is coming from,” Fisher said. “I think we have to have a real conversation. And I’m not saying that a data center is the answer, but I’m saying it’s worth the hard discussion.”
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