Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly announced on May 6 that his administration has submitted legislation to the Harford County Council seeking a permanent prohibition of data centers in the county.
The proposed legislation follows recent discussions about a possible moratorium bill regarding data centers and suggestions that zoning classifications could allow such facilities in the future. The topic is significant as it addresses concerns among residents about the potential impact of these facilities on their communities, including environmental and infrastructure issues.
“Over the last year, my administration has been approached by parties interested in bringing data centers to Harford County,” Cassilly said. “We have carefully researched the impacts these facilities have had on communities across the country, and it is clear that Data Centers are not appropriate for Harford County.”
Cassilly said his concerns increased after Council President Patrick S. Vincenti invited a pro-data center advocacy group, the Data Center Alliance, to present before the council and following introduction of a moratorium bill that he believes could open pathways for future authorization of such projects through zoning amendments. “The discussion surrounding the moratorium bill created what many residents viewed as the opening of Pandora’s Box,” Cassilly said. “When Councilman Bennett, the sponsor, publicly stated that the moratorium is to give county officials time to research those facilities and draft legislation to regulate them, it became clear that stronger action was necessary. Rather than creating a legislative pathway for these projects, my administration is proposing to ban them outright.”
The administration cited concerns over massive energy consumption, strain on infrastructure, environmental impacts, noise levels, water usage, and incompatibility with community values as reasons for opposing data center development in Harford County. Energy use was highlighted as especially problematic due to Maryland’s green energy policies which have reduced local energy production capacity.
Currently under county law, data centers are not specifically permitted within Harford’s zoning code; this new legislation would codify their permanent prohibition so they cannot be approved either administratively or through future interpretation.
“My priority is protecting the citizens of Harford County by ensuring future growth aligns with the health, welfare, values and expectations of our residents,” Cassilly said. “This legislation sends a clear message that Harford County is not interested in becoming a regional hub for data center development.” The proposal will be introduced before council at an upcoming meeting.