Committee Votes 3-2 Against Data Center Task Force Bill

The joint Economic Development and Transportation & Environment Committees voted 3-2 against Bill 4-26 during a worksession on March 9, 2026. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Evan Glass, would have established a task force to study the impacts of data center development in Montgomery County, including effects on energy prices, water resources, noise pollution, and public health. Glass expressed disappointment with the vote, citing concerns that data centers could jeopardize the county's climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and eliminating them by 2035.