Why It Matters
Maryland’s Prince George’s County has renewed its pause on large-scale data center development, keeping a contested industry at bay while county officials work toward broader regulations. The decision affects one of the fastest-growing sectors in the region and could shape how the county balances economic development against infrastructure concerns.
What Happened
The Prince George’s County Council voted Tuesday to extend its moratorium on hyperscale data center construction for two years. The action continues a series of similar council moves that have kept large data center projects on hold while lawmakers develop comprehensive zoning and land-use policy.
Before the vote, the council heard nearly an hour of public testimony, with more than two dozen data center supporters appearing to argue against the freeze. Council members debated for roughly half an hour and rejected a motion to delay the resolution for further review. Lawmakers also considered shortening the moratorium’s duration before ultimately passing the two-year version.
Three council members abstained. Council member Tim Adams cast the lone no vote, saying the two-year length was his primary objection. Council Chair Krystal Oriadha, a vocal opponent of data center expansion in the county, supported the measure.
One active proposal involves a data center planned for the site of the former Landover Mall. The county has moved to block that project, which has become a focal point in the broader debate.
The Policy Divide
Councilmember Shayla Adams-Stafford is developing comprehensive data center legislation that, if passed, would automatically lift the moratorium. Council Chair Oriadha underscored that accountability falls on the council itself: “If we pass comprehensive legislation, it lifts the moratorium. The onus is on us.”
Opponents of the moratorium have pointed to unresolved questions about the county’s long-term economic position. Supporters of the pause, meanwhile, have raised concerns about the industry’s demand on local water and power systems. Council member Wala Blegay captured that uncertainty: “There are too many unanswered questions. How does it impact our water? We don’t know.”
The county’s energy infrastructure concerns reflect a broader challenge facing Maryland communities as large power consumers seek to locate in the region. Data centers are among the most energy-intensive commercial facilities, often drawing significant attention from utilities and grid operators.
By the Numbers
2 years — length of the renewed moratorium on hyperscale data center construction.
200+ — data centers already operating in jurisdictions neighboring Prince George’s County.
42% — share of the local tax base attributed to data centers in those neighboring counties, a figure cited during debate as a potential economic benchmark.
3 — council members who abstained from Tuesday’s vote.
1 — no vote cast, from council member Tim Adams.
Zoom Out
The data center industry has expanded rapidly across Northern Virginia and adjacent Maryland jurisdictions, drawn by the region’s fiber infrastructure, proximity to federal agencies, and available power. That growth has prompted several local governments to grapple with zoning frameworks not designed for facilities of this scale.
Prince George’s County sits in a competitive position: its neighbors have collected substantial tax revenue from data center development, but local officials have moved cautiously about replicating that model without first addressing land use, utility demand, and community impact questions. As Maryland localities weigh how to regulate emerging technology infrastructure, the county’s approach may influence how other jurisdictions structure similar debates. The state has also been active on technology policy more broadly, including new requirements for school districts to develop AI use policies before the fall semester.
What’s Next
Comprehensive data center legislation sponsored by Councilmember Adams-Stafford is scheduled to be heard later this year. If that bill advances and passes, it would end the moratorium before the two-year period expires. In the meantime, the county’s effort to halt the proposed Landover Mall data center project is expected to continue through the moratorium period.