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Montgomery County leaders are advancing two competing bills to regulate data center development due to rapid growth in the D.C. area. One bill aims to restrict data centers to industrial zones, enforce 500-foot setbacks from homes, and address environmental concerns.

Sponsored by County Council President Natali Fani-González, it includes provisions for low emissions and protections for wetlands. At-large Councilmember Evan Glass has introduced an alternative bill to establish a task force for community input and a report within one year. Both bills aim to create a formal definition for data centers and prevent uncontrolled development similar to past issues in Loudoun County.