Local Voices: Burnett warns against ‘piecemeal’ data center approach

Montgomery County Council President Fani-González (D-Dist. 6) and Councilmembers Balcombe (D-Dist. 2) and Sayles (D-At-Large) proposed a zoning text amendment which would limit data center locations to industrially-zoned sections of the county, primarily concentrated around the Montgomery County Airpark and in the Shady Grove corridor. In contrast, Councilmember Glass’s (D-At-large) bill would establish a task force responsible for examining the possible advantages and drawbacks of data centers for the county and providing policy recommendations to the council. 

“Whatever the Councilmembers decide should be aligned to a part of a strategic plan. I offer real leadership strategies instead of knee-jerk reactions and band-aid solutions through my Innovation Corridor plan,” said Burnett. “The piecemeal approach being proposed is what got Virginia into the mess it’s in, and we appear to be wading into the exact same scenario without any long-term solutions. This shortsighted approach that doesn’t align with national security strategies will inevitably lead to short-term gains at the expense of local residents without any opportunity for strategic growth.”

Both bills are scheduled to be introduced during a meeting on Tuesday, January 20. 

“AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing are all national security priorities, we can leverage those priorities to get the infrastructure we need and the zoning that aligns with residential interests, and take advantage of developing cutting-edge advanced energy technologies that will supplement the energy grid, not drain it, while also protecting the lives of those residing and working in the immediate area,” said Burnett. 

Chris Burnett is a retired Marine Corps officer and national security lawyer running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District.

---