Candidate Guide: Where Every Charles County Commissioner Candidate Stands On Data Centers
Charles County, Maryland, is embroiled in a debate over data center development, with county commissioner candidates taking diverse positions on allowing these facilities. A proposed Zoning Text Amendment 25-187, which aimed to establish countywide rules, was ultimately terminated by the Board of County Commissioners due to significant opposition, leading to a decision to restart the regulatory process with a task force and consultant. The upcoming November election will therefore be crucial in determining the future approach to data center development in the county.
Charles County, Maryland, is grappling with the contentious issue of data center development, which has become a central topic for county commissioner candidates. The debate intensified around Zoning Text Amendment 25-187, a proposal intended to establish countywide regulations for data centers. This amendment faced considerable public opposition during hearings, with residents citing concerns about electricity and water consumption, infrastructure strain, noise, and environmental impacts. The Planning Commission recommended denying the amendment twice, and the Board of County Commissioners eventually decided in July to terminate the proposal, opting instead to form a task force and hire an outside consultant to re-evaluate the issue.
Candidates for county commissioner hold varied stances on data center development. Stewart, an incumbent, and candidates Merchant, Clark, and Vrem explicitly oppose opening Charles County to data centers, citing concerns about the power grid, water supply, utility costs, and limited long-term benefits. Vrem specifically opposes 'hyperscale data centers.' Candidate Wilkes has called for a moratorium on future data center construction and the establishment of a public task force to study impacts. Candidates Bowling and Arbyummi advocate for reconsidering the county's approach and increasing community involvement, with Bowling having supported the withdrawal of the initial zoning amendment.
Other candidates, such as Crawford, Paulin, and Reed, have either not publicly stated a clear position or are still researching the issue. Paulin, the mayor of Indian Head, emphasized general economic development without specifically addressing data centers. In contrast, sitting commissioner Patterson voted to advance the initially proposed regulations (ZTA 25-187) and was listed as a member of the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, an industry advocacy group. However, the county's decision to restart the process means the framework Patterson supported will not move forward.
The unresolved nature of data center policy means the next Board of County Commissioners will play a significant role in shaping the county's future approach. The November election outcomes are therefore critical for voters concerned about whether data centers will be allowed in Charles County and, if so, under what specific conditions.