Georgia's hidden industry: Data centers in NWGA — Why are communities divided?

The debate surrounding data center development is intensifying in Rome and Floyd County, Georgia, mirroring a national trend of community division over the industry's expansion. Local officials, including Floyd County Commissioner Scotty Hancock, advocate for data centers as a significant source of property tax revenue, potentially lowering the burden on other taxpayers. Hancock even expressed openness to a moratorium after a few data centers are established to secure tax benefits. However, residents like Ron Swinford lead local opposition, citing a profound lack of transparency from elected officials regarding project negotiations, skepticism about promised tax reductions, and concerns over increased water and electricity rates. Opponents also highlight the environmental impact, specifically the high water consumption for cooling and the chemicals used in water treatment, advocating for public negotiations on these issues. The article notes that three data center projects have been approved in Floyd County, including a 347-acre Microsoft facility, along with one in the city of Rome at the former Battey Business Complex. Despite these approvals, community division persists. Further illustrating the broader regulatory challenges, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, has unsuccessfully pushed for legislation to insulate residential electricity ratepayers from the costs associated with expanding the grid for data centers. The Georgia Public Service Commission previously granted Georgia Power permission to generate an additional 10 gigawatts, largely for data centers, leading to public concern about cost transfer. While Hufstetler's bills were blocked, he believes Georgia Power will adhere to existing PSC agreements. The article also references a proposed statewide ban on data centers in Maine, passed by the House and advancing to the Senate, underscoring the escalating regulatory scrutiny across the U.S. In Coweta County, opposition continues against Project Sail, a large hyperscale data center venture by Atlas Development and Prologis.