Council member Glass proposes 16-member task force to guide data-center policy

Council member Glass introduced an amendment to create a 16-member task force to convene stakeholders during the moratorium and provide recommendations. She said the task force would include planning, DEP, DPS, fire and emergency services, MCEDC, utilities, public health officers, civic associations and environmental advocacy groups and envisioned a 12-month task force period nested inside the 18-month moratorium.

"So I would like to introduce, the amendment to create and establish a 16 member task force," Glass said, describing the membership and purpose. The chair and other members opposed the amendment on grounds that existing executive branch work, forthcoming Office of Legislative Oversight and state reports, and alternative public-engagement methods make a formal task force unnecessary or duplicative; the amendment was not seconded and did not advance.