Data Centers in Montgomery County: Complete Survey

This post is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion on data centers. Instead, we want to provide some information, with links to additional resources, so residents can better understand the issue and participate in the survey

Why This Is Coming Up Now

The Montgomery County Council has introduced Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01, which would:

• Define “data center” as a distinct land use

• Restrict the zones where data centers may be located

• Require a conditional use approval process

• Establish standards for siting and development

At the same time, both the County Executive and Councilmembers are hosting public meetings and hearings to gather community input before any decisions are finalized.

What Are Data Centers?

Data centers are large facilities filled with servers and networking equipment that store data and run online services. They operate 24/7 and typically require:

• Large and continuous supplies of electricity

• Extensive cooling systems (air- or water-based)

• Backup generators and electrical infrastructure

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers are one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand in the United States.

Potential Benefits of Data Centers

Economic Development & Tax Revenue

Supporters argue that data centers can generate significant local tax revenue while requiring fewer public services than other types of development. In places like Northern Virginia, data centers contribute a large share of local government revenue.

Short-Term Construction Jobs

The construction phase can create temporary jobs and contracts for local workers and businesses, though long-term employment is more limited.

Digital Infrastructure Investment

Data centers often bring expanded fiber networks and utility infrastructure, which can indirectly support improved broadband access.

Resources:

• https://www.landapp.com/post/why-data-centers-are-driving-rural-land-demand-location-requirements-explained

• https://datacenternews.org/community-opposition-to-data-centers/

• https://www.datacentercoalition.org/cpages/faq#economic%20benefits

Key Concerns Raised by Communities

High Energy Use

Data centers consume vast amounts of electricity, sometimes comparable to small cities. This may stress the local power grid and could contribute to higher electricity costs or require expensive utility upgrades.

Water Usage & Environmental Stress

Many data centers use millions of gallons of water daily for cooling, which can strain water supplies — particularly in drought-sensitive regions.
Water that’s heated and discharged can also disrupt local ecosystems.

Carbon Emissions & Climate Footprint

Unless fully powered by renewables, data centers contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through electricity use. They accounted for an increasing share of U.S. power consumption and carbon outputs.

Limited Long-Term Jobs

After construction, a typical data center employs relatively few people, often in specialized technical roles that local workers may not fill without training.

Land Use & Community Character

These facilities can occupy hundreds of acres, displacing farmland or open space — a major concern for agricultural reserves like the one around Clarksburg. The design is typically industrial, which can affect the visual character of rural or semi-rural areas.

Noise, Traffic & Quality-of-Life Issues

Backup generators, cooling systems, heavy trucks, and onsite machinery can create noise and traffic concerns.

Transparency & Local Input

Communities often feel left out of planning and approval processes, leading to distrust and opposition.

Resources:

• https://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2025/11/data-centers-climate-impact-local-action/

• https://arxiv.org/abs/2411.09786

• https://knsradioonline.com/data-centers-the-good-the-bad-and-the-complicated/

Why We’re Asking for Your Input

Data centers raise complex questions about energy costs, environmental protection, land use, economic development, and community character. To better understand how Clarksburg residents feel about:

• Data centers in Clarksburg

• Data centers in the Agricultural Reserve

• Data centers elsewhere in Montgomery County or beyond

Please let us know your thoughts by taking the survey by February 5, 2026 at 5pm.

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More and Participate

Residents will have several opportunities to engage on this issue:

• Clarksburg Neighbors Alliance Meeting
  Friday, February 6 | 7:00–8:30 PM
  Clarksburg Church
  22820 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871 RSVP

• County Executive Community Meeting on Data Centers
  Tuesday, February 3 | 7:00–9:00 PM
  Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building, Rockville 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850
  (In-person and virtual)

• County Council Public Hearings on ZTA 26-01
  Tuesday, February 24
  Residents may testify in person or submit written, audio, or video testimony.
  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/Resources/Files/agenda/FuturePHs.pdf

Data Centers in Montgomery County: Share Your Thoughts

Data centers, the facilities that power cloud computing, streaming services, and artificial intelligence, are popping up in conversation everywhere. It was only a matter of time because it took the stage of discussion in Montgomery County. Decisions made in the coming weeks could shape where (or whether) these facilities are allowed in our community, including Clarksburg, the Agricultural Reserve, and elsewhere in the county.

The Clarksburg Neighbor Alliance is collecting community input via this survey to better understand residents’ perspectives for the purpose of advocating and sharing with local elected officials to ensure community voices are heard.