Georgia Chamber to counter 'misinformation, disinformation' about data centers

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has launched a statewide messaging campaign, the Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance, to address growing public and political concerns surrounding data center development. Led by CEO Chris Clark, the initiative aims to highlight the economic benefits, such as job creation and property tax revenue, while downplaying environmental impacts related to water and energy consumption. This effort follows polling data from the Annenberg Public Policy Center indicating a significant increase in public opposition to new data centers across the U.S.

The campaign comes at a critical time, with an upcoming state election. Political figures in Georgia, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, have called for a "pause" on new data centers, while her Republican opponent Rick Jackson suggested communities should have the choice and noted their tax benefits. The article also references similar shifts in sentiment in other states, citing Texas Governor Greg Abbott's decision to halt approvals for new data centers pending audits.

Clark refuted the idea that the current data center boom is primarily driven by AI, attributing much of it to everyday internet use, although OpenAI is noted as behind the large Project Camellia near Savannah. Environmental advocates like Chris Manganiello of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper raised concerns about significant water loss at power plants supporting data centers, and Amy Sharma of Science for Georgia emphasized the need for developer surety bonds to prevent communities from being burdened by failed projects. Both advocated for greater transparency and community choice in data center development, predicting the Chamber's initiative may further ignite opposition.