Data Centers On Hold
Prince George’s County Moves to Halt New Data Centers for Two Years
LARGO, Md. — Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha has announced legislation that would place a two-year moratorium on the operation of new data centers in the county, a move aimed at addressing growing community concerns about their potential impact on neighborhoods and public resources.
The proposed legislation would prohibit new data centers, including large-scale hyperscale facilities, from operating in Prince George’s County while officials conduct a comprehensive review of their long-term effects. According to Oriadha, the pause would allow county leaders to evaluate issues related to land use, infrastructure capacity, environmental impacts, energy consumption, water resources, public safety, and economic development.
The announcement follows months of opposition from residents, civic associations, and community advocacy groups who have questioned whether data center development is compatible with the county’s long-term planning goals. Critics have expressed concerns about the substantial electricity and water demands associated with large-scale facilities, as well as their potential effects on surrounding communities.
“From day one, I have stood with our residents because I believe our communities deserve to come first,” Oriadha said in a statement announcing the legislation. She described the proposal as a significant step toward preventing new data centers from establishing operations in the county.
Oriadha said the legislation reflects feedback received from residents who have consistently voiced opposition to the projects. She emphasized that the measure is intended to ensure that community interests remain the priority as county leaders weigh future development decisions.
If approved, the moratorium would provide county officials with two years to study the issue and determine whether additional regulations or long-term policies are needed before any future data center proposals move forward. Oriadha also pledged to continue working with residents and community organizations as the review process unfolds.
If you'd like, I can also expand this into a 450–500 word newspaper story that includes background on the regional data center boom in Maryland and Northern Virginia, along with the economic and environmental arguments from both supporters and opponents.
