Maryland Data Centers Test Local Planning in St. Mary, Calvert & Charles
News ClipThe Southern Maryland Chronicle·MD·3/17/2026
Maryland counties are grappling with the rapid growth of data centers, driven by AI and cloud computing. Calvert County is considering a 24-month moratorium on data center approvals due to community concerns about power, water, and land use. Charles County has advanced strict zoning regulations for future data centers. Both counties and the state are facing increasing strain on the electricity grid.
moratoriumzoningelectricityopposition
Amazon
Gov: Board of County Commissioners, PJM Interconnection, SMECO, U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy
AI-driven data center growth hits Maryland hard with power water and land concerns. Calvert explores 24-month moratorium after AWS Lusby interest while Charles advances strict zoning. Southern Maryland counties weigh temporary jobs tax revenue against rising electricity bills and environmental impacts in this timely update.