Councilmember Evan Glass Applauds Executive Order Pausing Data Center Approval – Mocofeed

Glass has introduced two pieces of legislation to slow data center growth

“Today, Montgomery County is finally taking action on data centers that our residents have demanded. I’m glad County Executive Marc Elrich and colleagues now support my proposal for a six-month pause on data centers,” said Councilmember Evan Glass, chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee. “I was the first member of the Council to sound the alarm on protecting our environment and keeping utility bills down. I didn’t wait until days before an election to do what was right.”

In January, Councilmember Glass introduced legislation to create a Data Center Task Force, which would study the potential impacts of data center development in Montgomery County. The task force would have been composed of 15 stakeholders from diverse sectors to make informed decisions on potential data center development in our community. That legislation received no cosponsors and was rejected in committee. After that setback, Councilmember Glass worked with local environmental advocates and community members to introduce a six-month pause on data center development. That legislation also received no cosponsors after its introduction in May.

Advertisement

For months, Councilmember Glass has led the charge on addressing data center growth. Yet, today, Councilmember Glass is relieved by County Executive Elrich’s executive order instituting a six-month pause on data centers. During this six-month pause, it is essential that a task force or working group is established to evaluate the risks and benefits associated with data centers.

Advertisement - By Authority of Friends of Andrew Friedson Rose Hacking, Treasurer

“Let me be clear: I support technological innovation, but it must be measured alongside environmental protection and the threat of ever rising utility costs. If Montgomery County is to allow large scale data centers, it must be done right — with full transparency, community engagement, and a commitment to our environment,” said Councilmember Evan Glass. “This six-month moratorium gives us the time we need to establish a framework that protects residents while ensuring any future development is sustainable and responsible. Our climate deserves nothing less.”

# # #

Advertisement

Read the original article at mccouncil