Amazon Withdraws Data Center Plans Near Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant

Amazon has withdrawn its plans to build data centers near the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Maryland. The decision comes after some local residents expressed concerns about the proposal, citing potential environmental and health impacts. Nevertheless, supporters argued that the move would bring new tax revenue to the region. Amazon had originally planned to establish seven facilities across three campuses on 2,000 acres of land near the nuclear plant.

Calvert County Commission officials stated they would hold a public hearing on August 18 to consider a "six-month temporary moratorium" on any data center development projects. The proposed ordinance would establish a temporary pause period to review and adopt regulations and zoning ordinance amendments related to data centers and heavy industrial uses, as well as to complete necessary investigations or analyses.

Although Maryland has a relatively small number of data centers, several proposals have recently emerged or become stalled in the approval process due to local opposition. In contrast, neighboring Virginia is home to more than one hundred data centers, with Loudoun County even being dubbed "Data Center Alley."

In recent years, data centers have become increasingly common as technology companies expand their artificial intelligence capabilities. Across the nation, their construction has also sparked bipartisan opposition, with many concerned about water consumption, noise pollution, and higher energy costs.