Group gathers in downtown Columbus to rally against data centers, lack of transparency

Approximately 100 people rallied in downtown Columbus, Georgia, on Saturday against efforts to develop a hyperscale data center in Muscogee County. The demonstration was part of a nationwide protest movement, with organizers specifically calling for a moratorium on proposed data centers in the area.

The protest stemmed from a recent 6-2 vote by the Columbus Council to create a technology overlay district, establishing new zoning regulations for data centers. Residents, including organizer Darlene Blaird and former mayoral candidate Joanne Cogle, who voted against the ordinance alongside Councilor Simi Barnes, expressed significant frustration over what they perceived as a lack of transparency and a disregard for community opposition to the overlay and a project known as "Project Ruby."

Residents voiced concerns that the council's decision was influenced by an "unofficial committee" report led by the Columbus, GA, Chamber of Commerce, sidelining community input. Specific environmental and economic worries included increased utility costs, water usage, and noise pollution. Long-time IT worker Karen Hart disputed claims of significant local job creation, noting the prevalence of remote work in the data center industry and the potential for industrial noise.

Rally attendees were urged by resident Corie Wilson to remember the councilors' votes and remain politically engaged, highlighting that 5,000 signatures opposing the ordinance were disregarded. The event also drew participants from nearby towns, such as Buena Vista, who shared broader concerns about environmental impact and the societal implications of AI development.