Georgia data center bill stalls after last-minute change opposed by industry finds support

Georgia lawmakers are debating a bill to prevent utility costs associated with data centers from being passed on to residential ratepayers. The original Senate bill aimed to explicitly ban these costs, but was amended to a more flexible approach favored by the data center industry and Georgia Power. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, attempted to revert the bill to its original form, but the Senate session ended before a vote could be held. Critics argue the industry-preferred substitute would still leave the door open for ratepayers to subsidize data centers, while supporters of the original bill say it is needed to provide economic relief to Georgians. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the data center industry's rapid expansion in Georgia and concerns over its impact on utility costs and the environment.