Warnock calls for Georgia data center moratorium

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., has called for a statewide moratorium on data centers in Georgia, citing concerns voiced by residents of Effingham County. His demand follows a visit to the site of a proposed OpenAI data center in coastal Georgia, which has drawn widespread opposition since its announcement in July.

Warnock met with concerned residents and echoed their calls for developers to build stronger relationships with existing communities. He praised the community's unity in opposing the project, highlighting that their concerns transcend political divides. Local residents John Smith and conservationist Isaiah Scott reinforced this sentiment, noting the unprecedented unity within Effingham County.

The OpenAI project, despite local pushback, is proceeding with regulatory approvals. State regulators recently approved a contract for Georgia Power to supply 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the data center, the largest such contract reported by the utility. Georgia Power has also agreed to measures to protect residents and small businesses from potential energy cost increases.

Other coastal communities are also taking action; Savannah recently approved a 155-day data center moratorium, while officials in Richmond Hill stated their local development ordinance already prohibits such facilities.