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Delegation debates data-center moratorium; members flag legal and economic risks

Frederick County Delegation · January 14, 2026

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Summary

The delegation heard LR 2960, a proposed moratorium on new data centers in Frederick County until a statewide study concludes. Members raised legal preemption, grid-capacity, economic-development and drafting concerns; no vote was taken and members agreed to continue the conversation.

Chair Pippe introduced LR 2960, a proposed moratorium that would bar approvals for new data centers in Frederick County until the state study is complete; the chair clarified existing projects would not be affected. Senator Karen Lewis Young urged caution, saying planning and zoning are local matters and a delegation-level moratorium "is likely to be legally challenged." She recommended obtaining a legal opinion.

Delegate Ken Kerr warned the moratorium could eliminate an avenue for local revenue and noted some proposed data-center designs could be powered by on-site storage and solar, reducing grid impacts. Sponsor answered that the goal was to pause approvals pending the statewide study and suggested an emergency effective date could be pursued to act quickly.

Delegate Chris Fair read the bill's definition of "data center" and warned the current wording could ban on-campus data centers used by local employers, citing Thermo Fisher Scientific as an example that hosts data processing on its campus. Multiple members supported pausing to refine language; the delegation agreed to continue dialogue and seek amendments and legal review before taking formal action.