MONTGOMERY CO . PASSES DATA CENTER ZONING RULES AMID RESIDENT PUSHBACK

What happened: The Montgomery County Commission passed new zoning rules restricting the size and noise of potential data centers, with residents at the public comment period calling for a moratorium or ban. Why it matters: Attorney David Raybin said moratoriums and bans could invite lawsuits that local governments would likely lose, arguing zoning is the main option available to them. Commissioner Joshua Beal said the resolution leaves many things unaddressed.

The Montgomery County Commission passed new zoning rules restricting the size and noise of potential data centers, with residents at the public comment period calling for a moratorium or ban.

Attorney David Raybin said moratoriums and bans could invite lawsuits that local governments would likely lose, arguing zoning is the main option available to them. Commissioner Joshua Beal said the resolution leaves many things unaddressed.