Prince George’s County has placed a temporary moratorium on new data center development, creating an opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate how this emerging industry can benefit residents, farmers, businesses, and the environment. From our perspective, the question should not be whether data centers belong in Prince George’s County, but how they can be developed in a way that strengthens the County’s agricultural heritage, clean energy goals, and long-term economic resilience.
The County is uniquely positioned to become a national model for integrating data centers, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Traditionally, farms have been viewed only as producers of food. However, the modern farm is increasingly an energy asset. Farmers can support AI and digital infrastructure through:
Rather than competing with agriculture for land, future data centers can create new revenue streams for farmers by purchasing renewable power generated on or near agricultural land.
This approach helps preserve farmland while increasing farm profitability.
Prince George’s County has the opportunity to develop a circular model where:
Instead of viewing data centers as isolated industrial facilities, they can become part of an integrated economic ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented demand for computing power. Data centers are becoming the factories of the digital age, supporting healthcare, education, e-commerce, transportation, government services, and scientific research.
The challenge is not whether AI infrastructure will grow—it already is.
The challenge is ensuring that growth occurs sustainably.
Prince George’s County could encourage developers to incorporate:
This creates cleaner infrastructure while helping offset pressure on the regional electric grid.
Data center development often concentrates benefits in urban areas.
Prince George’s County has an opportunity to take a different approach.
If renewable energy partnerships are prioritized, farmers can participate directly in the digital economy through:
This model aligns agricultural prosperity with technological growth rather than forcing communities to choose one or the other.
Modern data centers require expertise in:
By connecting data center investments with workforce development programs, Prince George’s County can create career pathways for youth, veterans, and displaced workers while strengthening its technology sector.
Many jurisdictions are debating whether data centers should be built.
Prince George’s County can lead a different conversation:
How can data centers support farmers, strengthen clean energy adoption, create workforce opportunities, and accelerate sustainable economic development?
The County already possesses key ingredients for success:
The future of economic development will increasingly be driven by the intersection of energy, agriculture, and technology. Data centers are not simply buildings that consume electricity; they are critical infrastructure supporting the modern economy.
By partnering with farmers, investing in clean energy, promoting agrivoltaics, and requiring sustainable development practices, Prince George’s County can transform data center growth from a perceived challenge into a powerful opportunity.
Rather than choosing between agriculture and technology, Prince George’s County can demonstrate how both can thrive together—creating a model for sustainable AI infrastructure that benefits communities, farmers, businesses, and future generations.
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