Commissioners noted a recent deferral on new data-center approvals and asked the EAC to advise on environmental impacts, including water consumption and electrical demand tied to AI-driven growth; EAC members noted potential interest in alternative power sources such as small-scale nuclear units.

The Carroll County Public Service Authority unanimously authorized staff to respond to a draft DEQ consent order tied to E. coli and effluent limits. Staff said immediate fixes to meet the order could cost roughly $680,000, while larger expansions to serve new development could cost millions.