Calvert Commissioners Put A Data Center Moratorium Vote Back On the Agenda – Sort Of

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — After two failed attempts to put a pause on all new data center development in Calvert County, Commissioner Mike Hart took a different approach at this week’s meeting.

At the scheduled June 9 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, Hart used the commissioner comments segment of the meeting to specifically ask for a moratorium vote to be put on the next meeting’s agenda, citing a local petition that now has over 7,000 signatures. The vote will be on whether to announce a public hearing for a moratorium, the first step to getting one actually passed.

The next BOCC meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 16, at 10 a.m. The commissioners will vote on whether to announce a public hearing at the meeting. The law requires a minimum of two weeks’ notice for all public hearings.

If the motion passes, county officials will schedule the public hearing, after which the BOCC will vote on a moratorium.

Hart and Commissioner Catherine Grasso have proposed moratoriums to put temporary pauses on data center development in the county to give officials time to explore research and outside expertise. The moratorium has been generally supported by commentators during public comment periods during BOCC meetings.

One caller, who identified herself as Cathy Decker of Lusby, spoke on behalf of Calvert Citizens for Student Safety & Responsible Development and referenced a recent bill passed by the Baltimore City Council. The bill put a one-year pause on the construction of data centers that use 10 megawatts or more of power annually.

“If they are choosing to pause to study the risk in a massive urban environment, why is a small rural county like ours running ahead without the same protections?” Decker asked.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the meeting would take place June 19. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. The article has been updated.

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