Urgent: June 16 Public Hearing on Data Centers
Montgomery County is currently considering several proposals that would shape how data centers are regulated in the county. The discussion includes proposed zoning regulations, as well as competing moratorium proposals that would temporarily pause approvals while impacts are studied.
A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, providing residents an opportunity to share their views on how Montgomery County should address data center development.
Supporters and opponents alike have raised questions about:
- Electricity demand and grid impacts
- Potential effects on utility rates
- Water consumption
- Noise, including infrasound, and community impacts
- Environmental/pollution considerations
- Long-term infrastructure planning
- Growing concentration of economic, technological, and political influence among a small number of global technology corporations
For residents concerned about energy use, public oversight, and responsible planning, this hearing represents an important opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.
Learn More:
- Montgomery Countryside Alliance: Three Competing Visions for Data Centers in MoCo https://www.mocoalliance.org/news/three-competing-visions-for-data-centers-in-moco
- Montgomery County Council Data Center Zoning Proposal (ZTA 26-01) https://montgomeryplanningboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SR-ZTA-26-01-Data-Centers.pdf
- County Council Public Hearing Information https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/news/montgomery-county-council-hold-public-hearings-june-9-16-2026
Browse all posts tagged “Data Centers“.
Update: County Executive Orders Temporary Pause on New Data Center Permits
On June 12, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Permitting Services to temporarily pause the acceptance and processing of permit applications for new data center projects in Montgomery County.
According to the County Executive’s office, the six-month pause is intended to give the County additional time to evaluate and establish policies addressing issues such as electrical demand, water consumption, environmental impacts, and infrastructure requirements associated with large-scale data centers.
This action is not a ban on data centers, nor does it prevent future projects from moving forward. It is also not a decision on any specific proposal currently under discussion.
Instead, the temporary pause is intended to create time for Montgomery County officials to develop and refine rules governing where and how data centers may be built before new applications proceed through the permitting process.
The Executive Order comes as the County Council continues to consider proposed legislation related to data center development, including ZTA 26-01 and related amendments intended to strengthen requirements and restrictions for future facilities.
Residents can watch the June 12 announcement on the County’s YouTube channel or read the County’s press release for additional details.
New Petition Calls for Stronger Data Center Protections
Montgomery Countryside Alliance and partner organizations have launched a petition calling for stronger data center regulations and a pause on approvals until impacts can be fully evaluated.
- Write a Letter Here using Montgomery Countryside Alliance’s petition tool.
- Submit Written/Audio/Visual Testimony Here (the bills to reference are 24-26 (2 Years) and 19-26 (6 Months) )
- Sign up to Testify in Person / On Zoom – yes it says “waitlist” – you should still sign up
- Show up in Solidarity June 16th 1:30pm- 100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD – Third Floor Hearing Room
Primary Election Resources
The Maryland primary election is approaching, making now a good time for voters to review candidate positions on growth, land use, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and public engagement.
Montgomery Countryside Alliance has published responses to its candidate questionnaire, allowing residents to compare candidates’ views on issues that will shape the future of Montgomery County.
Whether your interests include development, transportation, environmental protection, farmland preservation, utility infrastructure, or public accountability, these responses provide valuable insight into where candidates stand.
Learn More:
Montgomery Countryside Alliance Candidate Questionnaire Responses https://www.mocoalliance.org/news/announcing-the-mca-2026-candidates-questionnaire
Montgomery County Board of Elections https://mcg.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/ElectionJudge/ImportantDates.html
Pepco Rate Case Continues
Pepco’s request for higher electric distribution rates remains under review by Maryland regulators.
The case is particularly relevant as discussions continue regarding future electric demand from emerging technologies and large-scale infrastructure projects, including data centers. Decisions made today about utility investments and grid planning could affect residents and businesses for years to come.
Residents interested in energy affordability, utility accountability, and infrastructure planning may wish to follow the proceedings.
Learn More:
- Maryland Public Service Commission Pepco Rate Case Information https://psc.maryland.gov/news/2026/psc-to-hold-two-public-hearings-for-pepco-rate-case/
- Maryland Office of People’s Counsel: https://opc.maryland.gov
New Resource: Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting Project
As communities across the country grapple with the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers, a new public resource has been launched to help residents learn about potential impacts and share information about projects in their communities.
The Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting Project includes background information on community concerns related to data center development, as well as a portal where residents can report issues or share information about proposed facilities.
Residents interested in following the national conversation around data centers may find these resources useful.
Learn More:
- Brockovich AI Data Center Project
https://brockovichdatacenter.com/ - Community Impact Information
https://brockovichdatacenter.com/community-impact.html
Additional Resource
Residents interested in learning more about national concerns surrounding data centers, local control, and infrastructure planning may wish to listen to a recent interview with Theodora Scarato, director of Wireless Environmental Health Sciences, discussing data center expansion, telecommunications infrastructure, and community responses to these issues.
Interview:
https://reinettesenumsfoghornexpress.substack.com/p/theodora-scarato-joins-reinette-data