NAACP Applauds the One-Year Data Center Moratorium Passed by the Baltimore City Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2026

Contact: Chyna Fields, cfieldsnaacpnet.org

BALTIMORE - Today, in a historic move, the Baltimore City Council passed a one-year moratorium on data centers in the region. Mayor Brandon Scott cited the NAACP's research, such as The People's Report and our Stop Dirty Data Centers campaign materials, as a guiding light to sign off on the bold move. The decision comes following a recent surge in BGE bills across the city which led to rising energy and environmental concerns.

Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice shared the following reaction:

"The NAACP applauds the passing of a one-year moratorium on data centers in Baltimore City today and remains proud that our research contributed to the critical decision. Putting people over profit has always been at the very center of our advocacy in the fight against dirty data centers and today's decision by the Baltimore City Council is a step in the right direction to protect vulnerable communities. It is our hope that cities nationwide will follow the example that has been set by Mayor Scott and the City of Baltimore by centering the voices of the people before placing a data center in their neighborhood."

The People's Report, which was released in partnership with CEEJH earlier this year, is grounded in research on environmental justice, environmental impacts, public health, job creation and tax revenue claims, and quality-of-life concerns for Marylanders. This decision by the City of Baltimore also positively impacts the NAACP, which has long been headquartered in the city and has proudly advocated for progression within the city.

Currently, the NAACP has ongoing litigation in Southaven, Mississippi against xAI and MZX Tech arguing to stop unpermitted air pollution from their illegal power plant and that the use of gas turbines causes disproportionate harm to surrounding communities. The Association will continue to stand with the people and advocate with a community-centered approach against dirty data centers. For more information about our environmental and climate justice work, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.