Montgomery County is considering new standards for data center development as officials weigh how to balance economic growth with potential impacts on energy demand, land use, and local communities.
Before the County Council reviews a zoning text amendment on the issue, Andrew Friedson outlined several principles he believes should guide the county’s approach, including protecting residents and small businesses from higher electricity costs associated with the rapid expansion of data centers.
Friedson said large data centers should be responsible for their own energy needs and should rely on new, dedicated clean energy sources to avoid straining the power grid. He also emphasized that the industrial-scale facilities should be limited to appropriately zoned industrial areas and not located near homes, schools, or neighborhoods. The councilmember added that transparency about potential impacts on utility costs and local resources is essential as the county evaluates future data center development, noting that related legislation being considered by the Maryland General Assembly could also influence local policy decisions.
