LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Planning Commission voted Monday, March 2, 2026, to recommend denial of Zoning Text Amendment #25-187, which would establish zoning regulations for data centers in the county.
The vote followed an extended discussion focused on zoning location, power generation requirements, potable water use, infrastructure costs and potential impacts on residents.
Planning Commission Vice Chair Jeffrey Gossart made the motion to deny the amendment as written.
“My motion, Mr. chairman, is to deny the current, as currently written ZTA 25-187,” Gossart said.
He cited concerns including lack of clarity regarding self-generation of power, infrastructure costs being borne solely by the developer and eliminating potable water usage.
“I am concerned about the potable water usage. To me, that’s kind of a non-starter,” Gossart said.
Gossart also called for stronger alignment with the Maryland Next Generation Energy Act of 2025, which addresses grid reliability, large-scale energy demand and future generation requirements. He said any revised zoning language should reflect components of that act, including clearer requirements for power generation and infrastructure responsibility.
The law, signed in May 2025, aims to boost in-state energy production, expand battery storage, modernize transmission systems and provide ratepayer relief. It authorizes $200 million in direct utility bill rebates and directs utilities to develop additional dispatchable energy generation — including potential nuclear and gas facilities — along with 150 megawatts of battery storage capacity.
Gossart further said he wanted any future data center proposal limited to heavy industrial zoning.
After an extended discussion with Planning Director Charles Rice, AICP, and Planning and Growth Management Director Jason Groth about zoning classifications and regulatory protections built into the draft amendment, Gossart said his position had not changed.
“I still would like to limit it to the heavy industrial zone,” he said, questioning the need to include multiple zones at once and suggesting the county could “start with heavy industrial, see how it goes, and then maybe move into the other zones” later if appropriate.
Growth And Cumulative Impact Concerns
Planning Commission board member Semia Hackett raised broader concerns about long-term growth and cumulative impact.
“If we start at one data center, where do we stop?” Hackett asked.
Hackett questioned whether approving a single facility could open the door to additional projects and what that would mean for the county over time. She raised concerns about potential expansion beyond one site and the need to consider what guardrails would be in place if multiple data centers were proposed.
Her comments reflected concern about balancing economic development with infrastructure capacity, energy demand and preservation of the county’s overall quality of life.
Debate Over Supporting Data Centers In Concept
During discussion, Rice sought clarification on whether the majority of the board supported allowing data centers in the county in concept but believed the current draft required revisions.
Rice said it appeared the majority agreed “that there should be a data center use in the zoning ordinance,” but did not support the amendment as written.
Planning Commission Secretary Dawud Abdur-Rahman said he was not prepared to say he supported data centers broadly.
“I don’t know if I want to see data centers in the county,” Abdur-Rahman said. “I’m conflicted about just the larger question about data centers.”
He acknowledged the economic pressure surrounding data centers and said it was important for the board to clearly articulate its concerns in its recommendation.
Study Timeline Raised
Planning Commission board member Denard Earl reminded the board that the state of Maryland is conducting a comprehensive study on data center impacts expected to conclude in September 2026.
Earl suggested that waiting for the results of that statewide study could provide additional clarity before finalizing long-term zoning decisions, noting that the broader review may identify impacts not yet fully addressed locally.
Board members also raised concerns about electric demand and potential impacts on residents.
“We don’t want to harm residents with higher electric bills or anything of that nature,” Chairman Kevin Wedding said.
What Happens Next
The Planning Commission’s vote is advisory. The recommendation to deny ZTA 25-187 now moves to the Charles County Board of Commissioners for final consideration.
The Board of Commissioners may approve the amendment, deny it, modify it or direct staff to rewrite and resubmit a revised version.
Watch the March 2 Meeting: CCGTV
See Full Meeting Agenda Here
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“We don’t want to harm residents with higher electric bills or anything of that nature,” Chairman Kevin Wedding said.”
Darn right, no way should we residents of CC be subjected to higher electric bills to support data centers for what? Ai pushed by the tech bros? Bitcoin “mining?” Future job loss? No jobs except for construction of the centers and very few jobs once completed. Don’t allow the camel to get his nose under the tent, say NO to data centers!!!