Baltimore City Council Proposes Yearlong Moratorium on Data Center Development

City Council President Zeke Cohen cites concerns over utility costs and environmental impact of data centers.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 2:32pm

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Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen has introduced legislation to impose a yearlong moratorium on data center development in the city. Cohen expressed concerns that the energy-intensive data centers could drive up utility costs for residents already struggling with high bills. The legislation also aims to allow time for a study on regulating large energy users like data centers to ensure they pay their fair share of infrastructure costs.

Why it matters

Data centers have been rapidly expanding across the U.S., but their energy and water usage has raised concerns about the impact on local communities. Cohen's proposal reflects growing pushback from city leaders who want to ensure data centers don't burden residents with higher utility bills or environmental damage.

The details

Cohen's legislation seeks to impose a yearlong moratorium on new data center development in Baltimore. During this time, the city will conduct a study to establish a process for registering and regulating 'large load customers' like data centers. The goal is to ensure these energy-intensive facilities pay their fair share of grid upgrades and infrastructure costs, rather than passing those expenses on to residential and small business customers.

  • On March 24, 2026, Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen introduced the legislation for a yearlong moratorium.

The players

Zeke Cohen

Baltimore City Council President who introduced the legislation for a yearlong moratorium on data center development.

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)

The local utility company that has faced opposition to new transmission line projects to support data center growth.

Bill Ferguson

Maryland Senate President who introduced legislation to ban data centers in certain zones.

Celine Brundridge

Ridgely's Delight resident who supports Cohen's legislation due to concerns about data centers' water usage and environmental impact.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's really important that these large, load-bearing customers pay their own way.”

— Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President

“We know that part of how (Baltimore Gas and Electric) makes its profit is building transmission lines.”

— Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President

“I know that data centers tend to use up a lot of water, which makes it harder for local residents as well as also warming up the temperatures in the water — which is not good for the ecological systems in the (Chesapeake Bay).”

— Celine Brundridge, Ridgely's Delight resident

What’s next

During the proposed yearlong moratorium, Baltimore will conduct a study to establish a process for registering and regulating large energy users like data centers to ensure they pay their fair share of infrastructure costs.

The takeaway

This proposal reflects growing concerns from city leaders about the impact of data centers on local communities. By pausing new development and studying how to properly regulate these energy-intensive facilities, Baltimore aims to protect residents from bearing the brunt of higher utility bills and environmental damage.