Why I Voted For A Two-Year Pause on Data Centers In Prince George's

At-Large County Councilmember Wala Blegay Explains Her Position On The Data Center Issue

Dear Neighbor,

I want to share why I voted in support of a two-year pause on data centers in Prince George’s County.

I was proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting this moratorium, and I especially want to thank Chair Krystal Oriadha for her leadership on this issue. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect our communities not just today, but for the long term.

Prince George’s County should absolutely pursue economic growth and new sources of revenue. But not every project is worth the cost. Data centers can have significant impacts on our environment, our energy grid, our water resources, our land use, and the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. Before we move forward with any large-scale data center development, we must make sure we fully understand those consequences and put the right protections in place.

That is why I supported a two-year pause. This gives our county the time to carefully study the impact of these projects, engage residents, strengthen our policies, and ensure that any future decisions are made with transparency, accountability, and the best interests of Prince George’s County families at the center.

My priority will always be protecting our communities, our environment, and our public health while fighting for development that is thoughtful, sustainable, and truly benefits the people who live here.

Thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to raise your voices on issues that shape the future of our county.

In Solidarity, 

Wala Blegay