Data center moratorium to be extended

Calvert County commissioners are moving forward with plans to significantly extend a six-month moratorium on data center development, potentially stretching it to two years. The initial six-month pause was approved on August 18.

During a recent meeting, the board reached a consensus to direct planning and zoning staff to take three key actions: extend the moratorium, remove data centers as a permitted use from the zoning ordinance, and rezone heavy industrial properties. Commissioner Catherine M. Grasso emphasized that these steps align with public sentiment and called for a vote on the extension by the next board of commissioners on December 15.

Commissioner Mike Hart acknowledged the slow progress but called the consensus decisions a "step forward." He also highlighted the need for the county to develop its own environmental code to proactively address development. Commissioner Earl F. "Buddy" Hance supported the moratorium extension but expressed reservations about rezoning heavy industrial properties due to potential impacts on Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant.

County Planning and Zoning Director Jason Brinkley noted that the rezoning process would be complex, requiring amendments to Calvert's comprehensive plan. Concerns were also raised about the incoming board's familiarity with the issue. During the public comment session, former commissioner candidate Patrick Flaherty reminded the board that a public hearing would be necessary before a vote to extend the moratorium could occur, implying the process is not as simple as presented. An Ashburn, Virginia, resident and founder of SET Energy, Tom Peter, supported the two-year moratorium, suggesting technology exists for environmentally harmless data centers. Planners stated that an extended moratorium would allow for further study of environmental impacts, infrastructure evaluation (water and electrical), site location assessment, and the development of decommissioning requirements.