Data center, PFAS bills didn’t pass but Georgia environmentalists saw some boosts

The 2026 legislative session in Georgia saw a wide range of proposals aimed at regulating the surge in data center development and addressing environmental issues like PFAS pollution. However, most of these bills, including those to claw back tax credits for data centers or codify Public Service Commission regulations, failed to pass before the session's end. This outcome left environmental and consumer advocacy groups deeply disappointed. Mike Worley, head of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, praised the extension of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, which received increased funding for conservation projects. Conversely, April Lipscomb, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticized the legislature for "doing absolutely nothing" on data center growth and PFAS pollution. Mark Woodall, a lobbyist for the Sierra Club of Georgia, labeled it an "extremely disappointing session," claiming lawmakers prioritized "big business" over the concerns of Georgians regarding water consumption and the "massive Georgia Power, 14,000 megawatt expansion for data centers." Aidyn Levin of the Georgia Public Interest Research Group also condemned the failure to protect residential Georgia Power customers from potential rate increases linked to data center energy demands. While data center-related legislative efforts stalled, a bill supporting timber investments and a modified "Muddy Water" bill (Senate Bill 447) concerning land disturbance permits did pass. Senate Bill 447, sponsored by Gwinnett Republican state Sen. Clint Dixon, aims to expedite permitting for developers but was amended to remove automatic approval provisions and exclude large projects like data centers from certain expedited processes, partially satisfying critics.