Bottoms, Jackson trade hypocrisy claims in bitter clash over Georgia data centers

The rapid growth of data centers in Georgia has become a contentious issue in the state's gubernatorial race, with candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson clashing over proposed policies. Concerns about escalating power bills and the substantial electricity and water consumption of data centers are at the forefront of the debate.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms has called for an immediate statewide freeze on new data center projects. Speaking near Cobb County, where local leaders have already imposed restrictions on data center development, Bottoms emphasized the need to fully understand the impact on consumers before allowing further expansion. Her campaign has also highlighted Republican opponent Rick Jackson's alleged private investments in data centers, including a "World Texas Project," claiming he profits from the industry.

In response, Jackson's campaign has accused Bottoms of hypocrisy, noting her past support for massive bond deals and tax breaks for a Midtown Atlanta facility during her time as mayor. Jackson, while rejecting a statewide moratorium, has proposed his own set of strict local hurdles for data center approvals. His plan requires new data centers to secure local community support, provide real local benefits, avoid increasing local utility costs, and meet stringent environmental standards. His camp has also demanded that Bottoms disclose her consulting firm's client list, to which Bottoms countered that she would do so if Jackson revealed his data center investments.

With early voting approaching on October 13th, the future of data center development and its environmental and economic impacts remain a key issue for Georgia voters.