The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Talbot County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Talbot County’s enacted measure pauses approval of new and pending data-center applications and permits for 12 months, with a possible 12-month extension. It does not expressly halt existing operations.
Rating from Maryland statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Talbot County.
Specific to Talbot County only.
current law · Unincorporated areasProhibits Talbot County from reviewing or approving new or pending data center applications and permits for 12 months while it develops regulations.Talbot County Resolution No. 395 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause approval of data center applications and permits for 12 months, including pending applications, making new construction and expansion substantially harder during that time. It could be extended by up to another 12 months, but it does not expressly shut down data centers that are already operating.
Timing
- Ends
- twelve (12) months after adoption
The County Council may extend the moratorium for up to two additional six-month periods as it deems necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare and further the resolution’s purposes.
People behind it
- Pete Lesher
Introduced Resolution 395 and Bills 1653 and 1654 and Resolutions 396, 397, and 398.
- Lynn L. Mielke
Introduced Resolution 395 and Bills 1653 and 1654 and Resolutions 396, 397, and 398.
- Dave Stepp
Introduced Resolution 395 and Bills 1653 and 1654 and Resolutions 396, 397, and 398; requested Bill 1653.
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- Chuck Callahan
Introduced Bills 1653 and 1654 and Resolutions 396, 397, and 398; requested Bill 1654.
- Keasha N. Haythe
Introduced Bills 1653 and 1654 and Resolutions 396, 397, and 398.
- Talbot County Council
Introduced Resolutions 396–398 and Bills 1653 and 1654.
- Catherine G. W. Murphy
Filed the application underlying Resolution 396 to reclassify a property's water and sewer priority status.
- Stephanie Allen
Filed the application underlying Resolution 397 to reclassify a property's water and sewer priority status.
- Talbot Family Network
Designated as the Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission to guide local use of CRRF funding.
- Talbot Family Network Board of Directors (Local Management Board)
Tasked with administering the Talbot County Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
For 12 months from its adoption on September 8, 2026, the County may not process, review, or approve applications, site plans, permits, or other authorizations for locating, constructing, or operating data centers. The moratorium covers pending and later-filed applications, including zoning text amendments and zoning, occupancy, and building approvals. It does not cover equipment accessory and subordinate to a lawful principal use on the same property that serves only that use.
The County Council may extend the moratorium for up to two additional six-month periods.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The moratorium does not prohibit data-center equipment and related infrastructure that are accessory and subordinate to a lawful principal use on the same property and serve only that property’s occupant.
Sources
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