Anne Arundel County Considers 15-Month Moratorium on New Data Center Development
Anne Arundel County is considering a 15-month moratorium on new data center development. The County Council voted to replace a proposed ban with this temporary pause while a work group studies the potential impacts and recommends regulations.
Baltimore, MD, September 23, 2026 —
Anne Arundel County is exploring a temporary halt to new data center construction. The County Council has voted in favor of a proposed 15-month moratorium on such developments. This measure is intended to provide a window for thorough study and regulatory planning.
The decision to implement a moratorium replaces an earlier proposal for an outright ban on new data centers. This temporary pause will allow a dedicated work group the necessary time to investigate the potential environmental, economic, and infrastructure impacts associated with data center growth within the county. Following their assessment, the work group is expected to develop recommendations for future regulations governing these facilities.
The specifics regarding the timeline for the work group’s formation, its members, and the anticipated schedule for its findings were not detailed in the initial announcement. The moratorium’s effective date and commencement of the 15-month period will be critical factors for stakeholders monitoring the situation. County officials have indicated that the pause is a proactive step to ensure responsible development as the demand for data center infrastructure continues to evolve.
Story summarized from the original created by Siobhan Garrett on www.wmar2news.com, see more information here.
