Jason Esteves vows to ensure locals have control over data center development during Decatur town hall

Former Georgia State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves convened a town hall in Decatur, Georgia, to address growing community concerns regarding data center developments in the state. Over 50 residents, organizers, and candidates gathered at Rainbow Baptist Church, expressing fears over the environmental impact, including massive energy consumption and pollution from diesel generators, and the strain on local resources like water and power, which they believe contribute to rising utility costs. Esteves, whose own home is near a coal ash pond and a plant, highlighted his agenda for "smart data center growth." Key proposals include ending tax incentives for new data center construction, ensuring the cost burden does not fall on Georgia families, granting local communities decisive control over data center placement, and mandating the latest efficiency standards for new facilities. He emphasized the importance of local voice in development decisions. Supporting Esteves were energy consultant Edward Gresham from Savannah and Paul Glaze of Georgia Conservation Voters. Discussions touched on the need for proper leadership in state agencies like the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to prioritize community interests over industry. Attendees voiced concerns about closed-loop cooling systems, sprawling data campuses, and the broader impact on the environment and food supply across the state. Esteves affirmed his commitment to empowering state agencies to hold companies accountable and protect Georgians.