Commissioner Ralph Patterson's Membership On State Data Center Alliance Questioned During Public Hearing
Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson's membership on the Data Center Alliance of Maryland steering committee has raised conflict of interest concerns. This issue arose during a Planning Commission hearing on a proposed data center zoning amendment, which the commission recommended denying. Residents have cited Patterson's role in an industry advocacy group while he votes on local data center policy as problematic.
Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson's involvement with the Data Center Alliance of Maryland (DCA-MD), an industry advocacy coalition, is facing scrutiny amid ongoing debates over data center development and zoning in Charles County, Maryland.
Patterson has been listed as a member of the DCA-MD steering committee since at least February 2, 2025, a coalition established by the Maryland Tech Council to promote the data center industry. Concerns about his role were publicly voiced by Tina Wilson, president of the Port Tobacco River Conservancy, during a June 1 Charles County Planning Commission hearing on a proposed data center zoning amendment. Wilson argued that Patterson's position on an industry-backed committee, while casting determinative votes on related legislation, creates an undeniable conflict of interest and undermines transparency. She indicated her intent to formally inquire with the county attorney and ethics commission regarding the matter.
The Planning Commission subsequently voted to recommend denial of the revised zoning amendment, sending the decision back to the Board of County Commissioners, which holds final authority. Patterson had previously voted in favor of advancing the data center zoning proposal in earlier meetings referenced by Wilson. Residents continue to express concerns regarding potential energy demand, water usage, environmental impacts, and noise from data centers, while proponents highlight economic benefits. The BayNet has sought comment from Patterson and the Maryland Tech Council regarding these concerns.