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Data‑center briefing draws technical questions, widespread public concern and a proposed moratorium
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Summary
A briefing by the Maryland Tech Council’s Data Center Alliance prompted detailed council questioning about jobs, water, noise and emissions, followed by more than a dozen public commenters—many urging a moratorium and others (including IBEW) highlighting job and training benefits.
A presentation by the Maryland Tech Council’s Data Center Alliance and Maryland Economic Development representatives on April 14 drew extended questioning from Harford County Council members and a robust public comment period, with speakers sharply divided on whether the county should allow large data‑center projects.
Kelly Schultz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council’s Data Center Alliance, described typical project metrics, using Frederick County as a case study, and said an 800,000‑square‑foot data center can support roughly 500 direct and indirect construction jobs during build‑out and about 500 permanent direct and indirect jobs once operational in an illustrative scenario; she clarified that an end‑user/hyperscaler occupant might employ roughly 75–120 onsite staff and that many on‑site roles are supplied by local contractors. “I’m not here to support or talk about any specific project,” Schultz said, adding that her goal was to provide data and answer regulatory questions.
Council members pressed presenters on several technical questions: how many jobs would be locally resident and permanent versus temporary construction roles; how closed‑loop cooling operates and whether wastewater systems could introduce so‑called forever chemicals into the public supply; the risk and permitting process for on‑site diesel generators; and who pays for grid upgrades. Schultz and other presenters repeatedly said technical and environmental questions would be handled through utility interconnection studies and permitting with the Maryland Department of the Environment and that a state study on data centers is due later in the year.
Public comment was dominated by concerns about energy, water, pollution and loss of rural character. Hunter Baker urged a six‑month moratorium on data centers in Harford County so the community could "consider the risks" before committing to projects. Many speakers cited studies and cases from other states asserting harms from emissions, diesel backup generation and industrialization of farmland; one commenter urged the council to "choose ourselves" over corporate profit.
Labor representation offered a counterpoint. Rico Albuquerque, speaking as an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) member, said regionally trained apprentices and tradespeople had found long careers on large projects and provided wage figures and benefits: "Our journey level workers... make $50.50 an hour," he said, noting apprenticeship slots and long‑term career opportunities.
Councilmember Jacob Bennett (addressing constituents’ concerns from the dais) said he plans to introduce a moratorium to pause any data‑center approvals until the county sets community standards and safeguards; he said any moratorium would exceed Frederick County’s 500‑foot setback and include additional protections. The council did not vote on a moratorium during the meeting.
What happens next: Councilmembers signaled they will analyze the state study, consult permitting agencies, and consider local zoning and regulatory options (including a potential moratorium) before any project approvals. The public‑comment record and the presenters’ materials will be part of upcoming budget and planning discussions.
