From The Banner · Emily Opilo · · 1m 10s
Baltimore Council Weighs Data Center Rules
Baltimore City Council debates data center regulations amid public backlash.
In brief
Baltimore City Council debates data center regulations amid public backlash. Baltimore City Council considers health equity assessments for data centers but no ban is currently proposed. Originally reported by The Banner.
Baltimore Council Moratorium
Baltimore City Council approved a temporary moratorium on data centers for one year.
“Baltimore City Council approved a temporary moratorium on data centers for one year”
Health Equity Assessment Proposal
Councilwoman Phylicia Porter proposed requiring a health equity assessment before data center construction.
“Councilwoman Phylicia Porter proposed requiring a health equity assessment before data center construction”
Public Opposition to Proposal
City residents opposed Porter’s health equity assessment proposal during a council hearing.
“City residents opposed Porter’s health equity assessment proposal during a council hearing”
Existing Data Centers
Baltimore has six known data centers, including AiNET using 80 megawatts near Lexington Market.
“Baltimore has six known data centers, including AiNET using 80 megawatts near Lexington Market”
Data Center Impact on Grid
Officials said data centers beyond Maryland’s borders increase projected energy demand for the region.
“Officials said data centers beyond Maryland’s borders increase projected energy demand for the region”
Proposed Threshold Reduction
Councilman Mark Parker proposed cutting the data center capacity threshold from 10 megawatts to 5 megawatts.
“Councilman Mark Parker proposed cutting the data center capacity threshold from 10 megawatts to 5 megawatts”
Public Backlash and Alternatives
Public backlash led to suggestions for data centers to offer free computing for universities or housing investments.
“Public backlash led to suggestions for data centers to offer free computing for universities or housing investments”
Council President's Stance
Council President Zeke Cohen stated all options including a wholesale ban are on the table for data centers.
“Council President Zeke Cohen stated all options including a wholesale ban are on the table for data centers”
Here's the gist
Baltimore City Council considers health equity assessments for data centers but no ban is currently proposed.
