Committee advances bill to close site-plan exemption for qualifying data centers

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to move CB19 (draft 2a) forward, a bill intended to repeal an exemption that has allowed qualified data centers to bypass detailed site-plan review in Prince George's County.

Sponsor remarks framed the bill as an attempt to restore community oversight after a prior code change that some members said was adopted without adequate public process. "It created a process that would allow for data centers not to come before the council," the sponsor said, arguing the measure would ensure projects of that scale come before elected officials and the public. County staff counsel told the committee that draft 2 would also reach back to projects proceeding under prior zoning provisions and would require data centers to be consistent with the general plan and applicable area and sector master plans.

Community speakers urged a stronger approach. Taylor Frasier McCollum said a petition he started had collected more than 25,000 signatures opposing hyperscale development and questioned an exception for Bowie State University. "This right here is 25,000 signatures," he said. Residents and advocacy groups raised figures on resource use, with one commenter citing Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates for water and electricity consumption by large data centers and urging either a permanent ban or stronger moratoria. Several speakers also warned of local impacts including noise, light, and higher electricity and water demand.

Sponsor and committee members said the draft is a stopgap to close a loophole that could allow some projects to proceed despite an existing moratorium; the sponsor reiterated support for pursuing a full ban if six council votes can be secured. The committee moved draft 2a forward on a 5-0 vote. The bill will next proceed for additional council consideration and potential amendment.