Georgia lieutenant governor candidates debate taxes, data centers
Georgia lieutenant governor candidates Greg Dolezal and Josh McLaurin debated the state's approach to data center development, tax credits and potential effects on residents' power bills. Dolezal supported local control and state guardrails, while McLaurin called for slowing development because of environmental concerns.
Georgia Senate candidates Greg Dolezal and Josh McLaurin clashed during an Atlanta Press Club debate over data center policy, including tax incentives, local oversight and the impact of development on electricity costs. Dolezal said local governments should control development while the state establishes guardrails to protect consumers from higher power bills.
McLaurin, who previously changed his vote to support extending data center tax credits in 2022, said he is now concerned about environmental effects and favors slowing development. The candidates also discussed 2024 legislation to pause the credits, which Gov. Brian Kemp vetoed over concerns that it would halt technology investment in Georgia.