Warnock blasts OpenAI, Effingham for doing data center deal ‘in the dark’
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock criticized Effingham County officials and OpenAI for a $20 billion data center deal, alleging it was handled secretively. He called for a moratorium on similar projects in Georgia until developers guarantee economic and environmental protections for residents. These protections include no increase in utility bills, rejection of non-disclosure agreements, and prevention of noise and light pollution.
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock has strongly condemned Effingham County officials and OpenAI regarding a recently announced $20 billion data center project in the area. Speaking from Guyton, approximately 30 miles northwest of Savannah, Sen. Warnock asserted that the deal was "worked out in the dark, under the cover of night," criticizing the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement.
The Senator, who grew up in coastal Georgia, is now advocating for a moratorium on future data center developments across the state. He insists that such projects should not proceed unless big tech companies and developers commit to specific economic and environmental safeguards for local residents.
Warnock's demands include assurances that new data centers will not lead to increased water and electricity bills for residents, a ban on the use of non-disclosure agreements in these deals, and measures to prevent environmental pollution, specifically citing concerns about noise and light. His remarks underscore a growing push for greater accountability and public engagement in major development projects within Georgia.