Anne Arundel County MD Bill 63-26 data center moratorium (proposed)

Anne Arundel County, MD Bill 63-26, introduced in August 2026 by Councilmember Nathan Volke as a data center ban. On Monday Sept 21, 2026 the council approved 7-0 an amendment by Councilmember Julie Hummer (requested by County Executive Steuart Pittman) converting it to a moratorium lasting until Jan 31, 2028 or adoption of comprehensive data center legislation, whichever first (WMAR). Work group studies energy and water use, utility infrastructure, climate/environmental impacts, air quality, noise and economic development and recommends regulations; GovTech/Capital Gazette: 'The chair and seven members of that group would be appointed by the County Council, one per member, while an additional four would be appointed by the county executive' (exact total not established). Projects already in the development process generally continue, including future phases of existing data centers on adjacent or adjoining properties. Amendment also calls for repealing a personal property tax assessment reduction for data storage centers. Microsoft (Annapolis Junction campus) testified against the original ban. County Council legislation page lists 'Bill No. 63-26 (As Amended) AN ORDINANCE concerning: Zoning – Data Storage Center, Introduced by Mr. Volke, Status Amended, Hearing 10/05/2026'. Next: council action Oct 5, 2026 (Monday). NOTE: Patch described the Monday vote as passing the moratorium; WMAR and GovTech describe it as approval of the amendment with the bill returning Oct 5 — entry follows the latter.