Data centers become election issue as Georgia governor candidates clash
Georgia gubernatorial candidates Rick Jackson and Keisha Lance Bottoms are divided on data center expansion, making it a key election issue. Bottoms advocates for a moratorium or pause, while Jackson supports rapid development, citing economic benefits for rural counties. Local residents, like Marty Knight in Bartow County, are actively opposing specific data center projects due to environmental and land use concerns.
The expansion of data centers has become a significant issue in Georgia's midterm elections, with gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms (Democrat) and Rick Jackson (Republican) holding differing views on the pace of development.
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has proposed a "pause" or moratorium on new data centers, suggesting a need to gather more information before proceeding with further construction. She acknowledged that while some rural areas desire data centers, a cautious approach is necessary.
Conversely, Republican Rick Jackson supports rapid data center development, arguing that counties that want them should not face delays. He highlighted the potential for data centers to eliminate property taxes in many of Georgia's counties, a position he believes will appeal to rural voters.
Local opposition to specific projects is also active. Marty Knight, a resident of Bartow County, is challenging a proposed data center on what she describes as pristine farmland west of Cartersville. Knight voiced concerns about the environmental impact, including an endangered species and drinking water, emphasizing that the location is unsuitable despite her general acceptance of correctly placed data centers.