Maryland and Pennsylvania towns push back on data center zoning proposals

The Charles County Planning Commission in La Plata, Maryland, voted unanimously on June 1 to recommend rejecting a zoning amendment that would set rules for data‑center development. Officials cited community concerns over higher energy costs, noise, water usage and environmental impacts. Dr. Sacoby Wilson warned the plan could create “digital sacrifice zones” in neighborhoods already burdened by industrial hazards. The recommendation now moves to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.

In South Strabane Township, Pennsylvania, residents will hear a proposed ordinance governing data‑center development at a public hearing on Tuesday evening, followed by a vote. The draft ordinance would require a 1,500‑foot setback from homes, a 30‑acre minimum lot size and height limits, and is part of a trio of regulations covering noise, dust and fossil‑fuel generation. Solicitor Dennis Makel said the “priority is that the residents are protected,” reflecting near‑unanimous local opposition to new data‑center projects.

Both communities are seeking stricter controls on data‑center construction to address environmental and health worries raised by local activists.