Amazon withdraws plans to build data centers near nuclear plant in Calvert County
Amazon has withdrawn its proposal to build data centers near the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant in Calvert County, Maryland, following resident opposition citing environmental and health concerns. The Calvert County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider a temporary six-month moratorium on new data center developments to review regulations and zoning.
Amazon has officially withdrawn its proposal to construct three data center campuses, encompassing seven facilities, on 2,000 acres near Constellation Energy’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant in Southern Maryland. The decision, announced by Calvert County officials on Tuesday, follows significant pushback from local residents who voiced concerns over the potential environmental and health impacts of the development. Proponents of the project had highlighted the potential for substantial new tax revenue for the region.
In response to the evolving situation and broader community sentiment, the Calvert County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on August 18. This hearing will consider a proposed ordinance to implement a temporary six-month moratorium on approving any new data center development projects. The stated purpose of this moratorium is to provide the county with adequate time to review, analyze, and subsequently adopt new regulations and zoning ordinance text amendments specifically addressing data centers and heavy industrial land uses.
This development in Calvert County contrasts with the significant data center growth seen in neighboring Virginia, particularly in Loudoun County. Across the country, data center expansion, driven by the increasing demand for artificial intelligence capabilities, has ignited debates over issues such as water consumption, noise pollution, and increased energy costs.