Maryland Roundup: Calvert County Data Center Defeated; Multiple Counties Enact Moratoriums
Calvert County residents successfully opposed Amazon's planned data center in Lusby, leading the company to abandon the project. This follows a trend across Maryland, where 13 counties have enacted temporary data center moratoriums, with more considering similar pauses.
Residents of Calvert County, Maryland, successfully mobilized against a planned Amazon data center in the town of Lusby. The project came to light in February when Amazon posted a job listing for a construction manager, leading to public outcry when residents discovered county officials were aware of the plans but had remained silent. The issue became a significant factor in local politics, with three incumbent county commission members, who had previously opposed data center moratoriums, losing their reelection bids in June's Republican primary.
Following sustained opposition and electoral shifts, Amazon withdrew its data center plans on August 4. This event highlights a broader trend across Maryland, where local governments are grappling with increasing opposition to data center development. Currently, 13 counties in the state have enacted temporary moratoriums on data centers, with others actively considering similar pauses to re-evaluate their approach to such facilities.