Harford County residents press council for immediate ban on large data centers, urge overturning moratorium

Dozens of Harford County residents on Tuesday urged the County Council to adopt an immediate ban on large data centers, saying temporary moratoria will only let developers regroup and that the county should protect farmland, water and quiet residential neighborhoods.

Delegate Lauren Arkin (District 7B) told the council she wanted a single, emergency ban in place "so that the day that you vote on it, the day that you sign it is the day it goes into effect." She urged withdrawal of overlapping moratorium legislation in favor of immediate action.

Speakers at the council chambers repeatedly warned about noise, heavy water and power use, and long-term environmental risks. "Data centers are loud and intrusive," said Ann Blocker, a longtime teacher, who added they "increase the wealth and power of the billionaires who own the AI industry." Dr. Reed Newbomb, a local healthcare provider, urged a "health-first framework," saying sleep disruption and chronic noise are public-health concerns.

Organizers and legal advisers who spoke at the podium argued the council has authority to adopt a ban. Brian Tony said a zoning attorney had advised that the Express Powers Act and Maryland's local government code provide local authority to limit where such facilities may be built and urged support for the county executive's ban proposal.

Council staff read a proposed zoning measure into the record: Bill 26-011 would add a provision to the Harford County Zoning Code to prohibit data centers as a permitted use in all zoning districts. Bill 26-011 and Bill 26-010 (a separate pension-related amendment) were introduced and scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.

At the same meeting the council also considered and approved amendments one and two to Bill 26-005, a moratorium measure. Supporters said retaining the moratorium while pursuing a ban prevents a regulatory gap. Council discussion reflected this dual approach: keeping temporary coverage in place until a ban could be finalized to avoid "a single point of failure," as Council Member Bennett put it.

Several residents pressed the council to declare the ban emergency legislation so it would take effect immediately. "We need a full ban. We need to sign an emergency legislation and get what the county executive is asking for," said Bill Montary. Others asked for clarity about potential impacts on other projects, including whether a local ban would affect federal installations such as proposed data operations at Aberdeen Proving Ground; council staff did not provide a definitive answer during public comment.

The public comment period included 21 registered speakers, representing a range of sectors including educators, healthcare providers, longtime residents and candidates for office. Consistent themes were opposition to siting large data campuses on farmland (including Mountain Branch Golf Course), concern about infrastructure strain (water and electricity), and fears of reduced property values and perpetual industrial land use if demand shifts.

Next steps: Bill 26-011 and Bill 26-010 were set for public hearing on June 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.; amendments to the moratorium (Bill 26-005) were approved at the meeting. The council indicated it is reviewing whether the ban can be framed as emergency legislation and whether to retain the moratorium while finalizing the zoning ban.

Provenance: the reporting of the introduction of Bill 26-011, the public hearing schedule, the approval of amendments to Bill 26-005, and the quotes above are taken from the council meeting transcript and public-comment record provided to the council on May 12, 2026.