Prince George’s County, Maryland enacted a temporary moratorium on new data-center approvals after public backlash over a proposed hyperscale facility at the former Landover Mall site. Residents questioned zoning fast-tracks, infrastructure strain, and community input. County leaders responded by pausing permits and launching a task force to review policies governing data-center siting and approvals.

Data centers are capital-intensive, power-hungry infrastructure with long lifespans. How and where they’re approved affects grid capacity, land use, and community trust. The pause signals a shift from expedited approvals toward a more deliberate process—one that balances fiscal benefits with environmental and social impacts in a fast-growing digital economy.

The task force is expected to recommend tighter zoning rules, mandatory public hearings, and clearer environmental review standards. Developers may face longer timelines and more scrutiny. Counties across the region are watching closely, as Prince George’s approach could influence how other jurisdictions manage hyperscale infrastructure amid rising demand.

Prince George’s County’s moratorium reflects a broader recalibration of infrastructure governance. Data centers promise revenue but carry significant externalities. By pausing approvals and revisiting policy, the county is asserting community oversight and setting a precedent for how large-scale digital infrastructure may be evaluated going forward.