Amazon halts Calvert County data center project amid local opposition, election impact
Amazon Web Services has withdrawn its plans for data centers at Calvert Cliffs in Calvert County, Maryland, following significant voter opposition in recent primary elections that led to the ousting of commissioners. Calvert County will now host a public meeting to consider a temporary six-month moratorium on data center site plan approvals to allow for review of regulations and zoning changes.
Following intense voter pushback in Calvert County, Maryland, Amazon Web Services has abandoned its plans to build multiple data center campuses at the Southern Maryland Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. This decision comes after three county commissioners who had previously opposed a pause on data center development were defeated in the June 23 primary election by candidates advocating for stricter controls.
The proposed Amazon project would have spanned 2.4 million square feet. In response, the Calvert County government has announced a public meeting on August 18 to consider a temporary six-month moratorium on data center site plan approvals. This pause is intended to allow the county to review and adopt new regulations and zoning amendments for data centers and heavy industrial uses.
This electoral outcome in Calvert County is highlighted as a significant example of data centers' growing impact on local politics statewide. Similar actions have been observed in other Maryland counties; for instance, Frederick County's Executive Jessica Fitzwater enacted a development pause after the council chair was ousted. Prince George’s County has a two-year ban, and several other populous and rural counties in Maryland have also adopted moratoriums or restrictions, reflecting widespread grassroots opposition. Melissa Emmal, who initiated a petition for a moratorium, welcomed Amazon's withdrawal but emphasized the ongoing need for further regulatory action.