Data center opposition grows as Georgia debate heats up before election
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is launching a campaign to promote the economic benefits of data centers, aiming to counter growing public opposition. This initiative comes amid increasing concerns from politicians and community advocates regarding water usage, energy costs, and a lack of transparency from developers. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has called for a pause on new data center construction in Georgia, reflecting a broader political debate heating up before the upcoming election.
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is initiating a statewide campaign to highlight the economic advantages of data centers, responding to escalating public and political concerns over their environmental and fiscal impacts. Chris Clark, the Chamber president and CEO, announced the formation of the Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance, which includes industry, utility, and policy leaders. The Alliance aims to brief policymakers statewide, promoting "responsible development" and transparency to counteract negative public relations.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting, with a recent Annenberg Public Policy Center poll indicating a significant rise in opposition to new data centers across party lines. This growing skepticism coincides with a critical election less than three months away. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms has explicitly called for a "pause" on new data centers, while her Republican opponent, Rick Jackson, emphasized property tax benefits and community choice. The debate is mirrored nationally, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott halting approvals for new data centers in his state, and former President Donald Trump acknowledging the need for better public relations for the industry.
The article also delves into specific concerns, particularly water and energy consumption. OpenAI's Project Camellia near Savannah, the largest data center announced for Georgia, plans to use closed-loop cooling to reduce water use, although this increases energy demand. Chris Manganiello, water policy director for the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, noted significant water loss at power plants supplying energy. Amy Sharma, executive director of Science for Georgia, voiced worries about the potential for "busts" leaving communities with abandoned facilities and urged requiring surety bonds from developers. She also pointed to legislative failures to protect residential electricity ratepayers from data center-related grid expansion costs. Both Manganiello and Sharma expressed skepticism about the Chamber's transparency initiative, predicting it might intensify, rather than quell, public opposition.