Environmental, health impacts of data centers discussed in Charles
Community groups in Charles County, Maryland, hosted a town hall to discuss the environmental and health impacts of data centers. The event precedes an upcoming vote by the Charles County Commissioners on a zoning text amendment that could allow data centers in the county. The planning commission has recommended denying the amendment, and local opposition is calling for a moratorium.
Community groups recently hosted a town hall in Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland, to educate residents about the potential environmental and health impacts of data centers. The event featured speakers like Frederick Johnson and Tamara Dickerson from the Center for Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health, who highlighted concerns regarding water supply, air and noise pollution, increased energy costs, and disproportionate impacts on communities of color.
The town hall was held ahead of a crucial July 21 vote by the Charles County Commissioners on a zoning text amendment. This amendment, if approved, would establish conditions for data centers to be built exclusively in heavy industrial zones, requiring non-potable water, 500-foot setbacks, developer-funded infrastructure upgrades, and self-power generation. Currently, data centers are not permitted in the county without this amendment. The Charles Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial of the amendment in June.
The Charles County Coalition Against Data Centers is actively opposing the amendment, advocating for a task force and a moratorium on data center development. Coalition members, including Alana Davis and Jake Burdett, emphasized environmental justice concerns, calling it a form of 'hidden, subtle discrimination.' Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II stated that the commissioners are focused solely on the zoning text amendment, not specific data center projects, and supports residents' voices on the issue.