Commissioner Ralph Patterson’s Membership On State Data Center Alliance Questioned During Public Hearing

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ralph Patterson’s participation in a statewide data center advocacy coalition is drawing attention as county leaders continue debating the future of data center development and zoning regulations.

Patterson has been listed as a member of the Data Center Alliance of Maryland (DCA-MD) steering committee since at least Feb. 2, 2025, according to a Maryland Tech Council press release. The coalition was established by the Maryland Tech Council to promote education, public engagement and policy development related to Maryland’s growing data center industry.

According to the alliance, its mission includes improving and aligning public policy, educating Marylanders on the economic and fiscal contributions of data centers, and answering questions residents may have about data center siting, construction and operations. The organization’s website identifies public policy, best practices and innovation, and education as its three core focus areas.

Patterson appears to be the only elected official serving on the alliance’s 20-member steering committee. Other members include representatives from Amazon, Constellation Energy, labor organizations, economic development agencies and Calvert County Economic Development Director Julie Oberg, a co-chair of the alliance.

Questions regarding Patterson’s involvement were raised publicly during the June 1 Charles County Planning Commission hearing on the proposed data center zoning amendment. At that meeting, the Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the revised zoning amendment following several hours of public testimony. The recommendation now returns to the Board of County Commissioners, which holds ultimate authority over the amendment and will make the final decision.

Tina Wilson, president of the Port Tobacco River Conservancy and a resident who lives approximately eight miles from the Morgantown Generating Station site, used a portion of her testimony to question Patterson’s involvement with the Data Center Alliance of Maryland.

“Vice President Ralph Patterson, County Commissioner, is actively serving on a steering committee for the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, which is part of the Maryland Tech Council, an industry-backed advocacy coalition launched to advance these exact developments,” Wilson told the Planning Commission.

Wilson argued that Patterson’s role on the committee creates concerns regarding public trust as Charles County continues evaluating data center proposals.

“Serving on a pro-industry steering committee while casting a determinative vote to advance this legislation creates an undeniable conflict of interest,” Wilson said.

Wilson further stated, “Commissioner Patterson should have recused himself entirely from the voting on this legislation, as well as the initial task force proposal.”

She also told commissioners that she intended to pursue the matter further, stating, “I will be formally submitting an inquiry to the county attorney and the ethics commission regarding this matter.”

Wilson later described the issue as “a profound lapse in judgment” and said it “makes a mockery of transparency.”

The issue comes as data centers remain one of the most debated development topics in Charles County. Residents have expressed concerns regarding energy demand, water usage, environmental impacts, noise and long-term community impacts, while supporters have pointed to potential tax revenue, infrastructure investment and economic development opportunities.

Patterson Listed On State Data Center Steering Committee In February 2025

According to a Maryland Tech Council press release dated Feb. 2, 2025, Patterson has been a member of the Data Center Alliance of Maryland steering committee since at least that date— before the Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 7, 2025 to advance ZTA 25-187 to the Planning Commission, before the county’s first public hearing on Nov. 17, 2025 and before the commissioners’ April 21, 2026, vote to send a revised version back for another public hearing.

Those are the votes Wilson referenced during her testimony when she argued Patterson should have recused himself from matters involving the proposed data center zoning amendment. Patterson voted in favor of advancing the proposal during both meetings.

The BayNet Reaches Out To Patterson

The BayNet contacted Patterson seeking comment on his membership on the Data Center Alliance of Maryland steering committee.

Patterson was asked whether he believes his membership on the state-level committee presents a conflict of interest given his role as a Charles County commissioner who votes on local data center zoning and policy matters. He was also asked whether he intends to recuse himself from future votes involving data center-related legislation or zoning matters.

Patterson’s membership on the steering committee is publicly disclosed through materials published by the Maryland Tech Council and the Data Center Alliance of Maryland.

The BayNet has requested comment from both Patterson and the Maryland Tech Council regarding Patterson’s involvement with the alliance and will update this story if responses are received.

For more information about the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, its steering committee and its mission, visit mdtechcouncil.com/data-center-alliance-of-maryland.

---