What Is a Data Center and Why Are County Leaders Debating Them?
Data Center Proposal in Dickerson Raises Questions About Energy, Water, and Growth
A proposal to build a large scale data center campus at the former Dickerson power plant site has sparked significant discussion in Montgomery County. The project, proposed by Florida-based developer Terra Innovations, has prompted local officials, environmental advocates, residents, and industry representatives to debate the potential benefits and impacts of data center development.
What Are Data Centers?
Data centers are facilities that house computer servers and digital infrastructure used to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, internet services, and data storage. As demand for technology continues to grow, communities across the country are seeing increased interest from data center developers.
Supporters argue that data centers can help attract investment, strengthen technological infrastructure, and generate tax revenue. Critics raise concerns about energy consumption, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term impacts on local communities.
Why Dickerson?
Dickerson is located in northern Montgomery County and is known for its rural character, agricultural land, environmental resources, and proximity to the Potomac River. The proposed site is located on the former Dickerson power plant property.
The proposal has generated questions about how large-scale data center development would affect the surrounding area, including natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and utility systems.
Local and National Debate
Montgomery County leaders are currently considering several approaches to data center development as they evaluate potential economic, environmental, and infrastructure impacts.
In January 2026, Council President Natali Fani-González, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles introduced ZTA 26-04, a zoning proposal intended to regulate where data centers can be located and establish development standards for future projects. The proposal was later amended to include additional requirements related to energy use, water consumption, environmental protections, and setbacks from neighboring properties. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/news/amendments-proposed-strengthen-data-center-zta-0
At the same time, two separate moratorium proposals have been introduced:
Supporters of the zoning regulations argue that data centers can be accommodated if strong standards and safeguards are put in place. Supporters of the moratoriums argue that additional time is needed to fully evaluate environmental impacts, energy demands, water consumption, infrastructure needs, and long-term costs before new projects move forward.
Others argue that delaying development could limit economic opportunities, technological investment, and future tax revenue for Montgomery County.
As a result, the County is now considering both how data centers should be regulated and whether additional time is needed before new facilities are approved.
Issues Being Discussed
Topics currently being debated include:
- Energy demand and impacts on the regional electric grid
- Water consumption and potential effects on local resources
- Climate and greenhouse gas emissions
- Economic development and tax revenue
- Job creation and long-term employment opportunities
- Land use and compatibility with surrounding communities
County officials have stated that they are working to balance economic development opportunities with Montgomery County's climate and sustainability goals.
Upcoming Public Hearing
Residents who would like to learn more or share their views can participate in the public hearing on:
Expedited Bill 24-26 - Building Permits - Data Center Moratorium
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Montgomery County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD
Third Floor Hearing Room
Residents may sign up to testify or submit written comments by June 15. - Event Actions powered by Trumba
Public participation information is available through the Montgomery County Council's testimony portal.
Stay Informed
As discussions continue, residents are encouraged to review information from multiple sources, attend public hearings, ask questions, and share their perspectives with elected officials. Decisions related to data centers could have long-term implications for Montgomery County's economy, environment, infrastructure, and future growth.
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EPIC Conversations on Taxes with Louis Wilen
Is Your Head Spinning from Everything Happening in Montgomery County - Housing. Taxes. Development deals. Budget battles.
What does it all actually mean for residents?
Louis Wilen is an Olney resident and longtime Montgomery County homeowner known for uncovering a major error in Maryland’s homeowner tax credit system. His research and advocacy led the State of Maryland to issue more than $11 million in refunds to homeowner, primarily in Montgomery County and Baltimore City, after it was discovered that eligible residents had been underpaid through the Homeowners Tax Credit program.
Wilen has become widely recognized for his deep understanding of Maryland property tax policy, homeowner protections, tax credits, and government accountability. He has frequently spoken out on issues involving county taxes, assessments, affordability, and how policy decisions impact residents.
He joins EPIC Conversations to answer questions on the complex world of Montgomery County property taxes.
Date: Tuesday, June 9th
Time: 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Where: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QSl2lkb_Q1-AtMCoH-g-3A
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