Coweta County commissioners approve rezoning for massive data center

In a 3-2 vote, Coweta County commissioners approved Atlas Development's rezoning application for "Project Sail," a large-scale data center encompassing approximately 829 acres. The facility is slated for development along U.S. 27 near Newnan, Georgia. The area, previously zoned for "rural conservation and industrial," has been reclassified to "industrial" to accommodate the project. This approval follows a period of public debate, during which local residents voiced significant concerns regarding the potential impact of the data center. Objections primarily focused on increased power rates, substantial water usage, broader environmental effects, and anticipated traffic congestion. Some residents spoke against the rezoning during Tuesday evening's public comment period, while others advocated for its approval. This local decision comes amidst wider discussions in Georgia concerning data center expansion. Previous reports indicate Coweta County had placed a moratorium on proposed data centers. Furthermore, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman has defended energy expansion plans for data centers, a topic that has sparked criticism and legislative debate among state lawmakers about regulating the industry's growth and its effects on power costs statewide. DeKalb County and the City of Roswell have also taken steps, including deferring votes or enacting moratoriums, signaling a regional trend of scrutiny over such developments.