Data center opposition: Walker Co. plans to extend moratorium to February
Walker County, Georgia, commissioners are considering a second moratorium on data centers, planning to extend the current suspension by another 180 days until February 2027. This decision follows significant resident backlash against the initial 30-day moratorium, with many expressing concerns about environmental impacts like water usage, noise, and ozone pollution.
Walker County, Georgia, is planning to extend its temporary moratorium on data center development, following a public outcry from residents. Commissioners recently passed a 30-day moratorium, but faced criticism that it was insufficient. Now, the Walker County Board of Commissioners is considering a second moratorium that would extend the suspension for an additional 180 days, pushing any new development considerations until February 2027.
Residents have expressed strong opposition to data centers, citing concerns about potential environmental impacts, including water consumption, noise pollution, and ozone pollution. Chairwoman Angie Teems indicated that the county leadership is aligned with community sentiment, stating, "Knowing this is not something this community wants to have, they [the county] gave them really good reasons why they didn't fit here, so they went away."
Despite developer interest, the county currently has no data centers, and residents hope to keep it that way. The board plans to hold two more public comment meetings during the proposed 180-day extension, with the next one scheduled for August 6. Commissioners will draft a final resolution to be voted on in February 2027.