Latest Data Center Moratorium Vote Ends In A 2-2 Tie After Discussion On Lawsuits
Calvert County's Board of County Commissioners held a vote on an immediate data center moratorium, which resulted in a 2-2 tie and was considered a failed motion. Commissioners are now considering an additional work session to draft specific language for a future moratorium proposal, indicating ongoing debate and community opposition to data centers.
Calvert County's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) faced a contentious vote on an immediate moratorium for data center development, which ultimately failed in a 2-2 tie due to Commissioner Earl “Buddy” Hance's absence. Local rules dictate that a tied vote on a motion is considered a failure, meaning the push for an immediate moratorium was rejected.
The debate among commissioners and staff, including Director of Planning & Zoning Jason Brinkley and Director of Public Works JR Cosgrove, centered on the process of implementing a moratorium that would withstand legal challenges. While Commissioner Todd Ireland and Brinkley suggested a work session to meticulously draft moratorium language before a public hearing and subsequent vote, Commissioner Mike Hart vehemently argued for an immediate moratorium, citing unique county needs and public demand to "rebuild trust." Commissioner Catherine Grasso echoed Hart's sentiment, stating data centers have no place in Calvert County.
Hart emphasized that the county should prioritize residents' wishes over concerns about specific companies like Amazon (AWS) or potential lawsuits. Despite strong arguments from Hart and Grasso, their votes in favor of the immediate moratorium were matched by Ireland and Mark Cox in opposition, leading to the tie. The article notes that any future moratorium proposals would require restarting the entire process, as early voting for primaries with all five Republican commissioners on the ballot is underway.