Warnock Criticizes Lack of Transparency on Effingham Data Center

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., visited Effingham County, Georgia, to address growing community concerns about OpenAI's proposed $20 billion Project Camellia data center. During his visit, which included meetings with residents and a tour of the proposed site, Senator Warnock called for a moratorium on data center development until communities are given a meaningful voice in the process, and developers can guarantee no increases in utility rates, no pollution, and resolution of noise and light issues.

The proposed 1,400-acre data center, located in the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, is projected to require 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to powering three Atlanta-sized cities. Residents, many organized under the Protect Effingham Alliance led by chairman John Smith, have expressed strong opposition, citing a lack of transparency and public input regarding the project's planning and approval.

Senator Warnock emphasized that while he is not against artificial intelligence or data centers, he opposes the process by which multibillion-dollar projects are introduced without community consultation. He criticized the use of nondisclosure agreements, calling them "the opposite of democracy," and urged OpenAI to publicly present the project's details. OpenAI, in response, stated its commitment to covering electric infrastructure costs, using closed-loop cooling to minimize water use, and providing $80 million in community benefits shaped by local input.

Both Senator Warnock and John Smith rejected the notion that Project Camellia is a 'done deal,' with Smith urging residents to participate in an upcoming Effingham County Board of Commissioners work session. Warnock also highlighted broader concerns about Congress's failure to establish adequate regulations for the rapid expansion of data centers nationwide, leading to local communities struggling to negotiate with large corporations.