HAGERSTOWN, Md. –- Washington County commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to impose a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications, extending a proposed six-month pause after residents raised concerns about water supplies, electric infrastructure, environmental impacts and the county’s readiness to regulate the rapidly growing industry.
The vote followed a public hearing in which speakers urged county leaders to take additional time to study the issue before allowing data center development in Washington County.
County Attorney Zachary Kieffer said data centers are not adequately addressed under current county law and zoning regulations.
The ordinance temporarily halts the acceptance, review and approval of new data center applications while county officials study potential impacts and consider whether new regulations are needed. Existing uses are not affected.
Residents raise water, infrastructure concerns
Several residents argued that six months would not provide enough time to fully examine the potential impacts of large-scale data centers.
Dave Williams of Smithsburg urged commissioners to adopt a longer moratorium and develop a comprehensive water and sewer strategy before considering any future proposals.
Others focused on water consumption and environmental concerns.
Geologist Kathleen Thompson told commissioners that the county’s groundwater resources are particularly vulnerable because local aquifers depend on rainfall and snowmelt for replenishment.
“What we have is a groundwater drought, which is the water in the ground itself is running out,” Thompson said. “That recovers slowly over seasons and not days.”
Thompson also raised concerns about the long-term effects of industrial-scale water use and potential contamination risks associated with cooling systems and backup infrastructure.
Other speakers questioned the timing of the proposed moratorium, suggesting it could delay politically difficult decisions until after the next election.
One resident cited concerns about transparency following the county’s handling of the proposed immigration detention center in Williamsport and urged commissioners to keep the public informed throughout the process.
Not all testimony opposed future data centers. Tom Thorsen urged commissioners to use the moratorium period to explore potential economic opportunities while developing appropriate safeguards and land-use policies.
Commissioners favor longer review period
Planning staff told commissioners that an initial recommendation called for a study period of 12 to 18 months, citing the need to review approaches taken in other jurisdictions and evaluate infrastructure requirements before drafting regulations.
Commissioner Randy Wagner said public testimony highlighted issues that deserve closer examination.
“The geologists who spoke had a lot of good points,” Wagner said. “It’s something that can’t happen overnight.”
Wagner said six months may not be sufficient for county staff and planning officials to fully evaluate the issue and develop recommendations.
Commissioner Randal Leatherman said he also supported extending the moratorium to one year, citing concerns about infrastructure capacity and utility costs.
“I don’t want the tax bills to go down, and all of a sudden your electric bill is up $500 a month,” Leatherman said. “I clearly want to make sure that the infrastructure, water and the electric is there, and that data centers are bearing the burden of paying for a lot of that.”
Leatherman said he wants to ensure any future data center development pays for necessary infrastructure improvements rather than shifting costs onto existing residents.
Commission President John F. Barr also voiced support for a longer review period.
Parrott casts lone dissenting vote
Commissioner Neil Parrott cast the board’s only dissenting vote.
Parrott argued that Washington County should remain welcoming to business investment and expressed concern that the moratorium could send the wrong message to potential employers.
“I’m afraid, though, that we’re sending the wrong message that Washington County is not open for business,” Parrott said. “I’d like us to be open for business and to let data centers know this is a place where they’re welcome.”
Parrott also pointed to Loudoun County, Virginia, where data centers have generated significant tax revenue that local officials have used to reduce tax rates.
Additional public review ahead
County officials emphasized that any future zoning changes or regulations developed during the moratorium would require additional public hearings before taking effect.
Kieffer said the county’s current lack of a formal definition for data centers is one reason officials believe more study is needed before establishing permanent rules.
Following discussion, commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt the 12-month moratorium, giving county staff additional time to study the issue and prepare recommendations for how data centers should be regulated in Washington County.
