Georgia’s data center boom hits a possible roadblock
Georgia’s rapid data center growth is facing increasing political opposition following the midterm elections. A proposed 1,000-acre data center project in Effingham County became an issue in a legislative race, while Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms has also criticized data centers and may support pausing new development.
Georgia’s expanding data center industry is facing a potential pause as newly elected lawmakers and Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms signal opposition to further development. The issue played a role in the defeat of former Georgia state Rep. Bill Hitchens by 24-year-old Democrat David Dilley, who criticized a 1,000-acre data center project in Effingham County.
Amy Sharma of Georgians for Data Center Reform said the issue helped propel local candidates who might otherwise have struggled to win. She described the issue as complicated but predicted that future technology could reduce reliance on large data centers. More details about possible pauses or restrictions are expected from state officials and lawmakers in the coming legislative session.