Calvert County begins formal process to explore moratorium on data‑center approvals after AWS briefing
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Summary
After an informational briefing by an Amazon Web Services representative, the Board of County Commissioners voted to begin the formal process to explore a 24‑month moratorium on data‑center approvals and related permits pending completion of a comprehensive environmental impact study and public hearing.
An Amazon Web Services representative told the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners on March 3 that AWS is evaluating potential investment in the county but has filed no plans, permits or agreements. Becky Ford, the AWS representative, said it is common for the company to post job openings during early site evaluation and that such postings do not constitute a formal commitment.
Ford added, "No plans or permits have been filed. We don't have any agreements in place. I'm not here to make an announcement." She offered to return with subject‑matter experts for an informational session and to answer community questions.
The AWS briefing prompted sustained public comment and questions about transparency and the county’s use of a nondisclosure agreement. In response to residents’ concerns, a commissioner moved to begin the process of imposing a 24‑month moratorium on approvals, permits, rezoning, site plans, construction authorizations and other official actions related to data‑center development until a comprehensive environmental impact statement evaluating land, air and water impacts is completed and presented publicly.
County legal counsel and staff explained that a moratorium cannot be imposed immediately; it requires drafting an ordinance, public‑hearing notices and other procedural steps. The board voted to start the process to explore a moratorium and directed staff to develop timelines and next steps for public notice and a hearing.
Supporters of the motion cited past experiences on large projects and urged strong public engagement before any approvals. Other speakers at the meeting urged the board to balance economic opportunity with careful environmental review. Ford reiterated AWS’s willingness to come back for public meetings and said any formal project would follow the county’s permitting and plan‑review processes.
Next steps: staff will draft the ordinance language, identify affected geographic areas and advertise a public hearing. County legal staff estimated that the earliest public‑hearing schedule would be several weeks to a month after staff compiles the required materials and notices.