Mayoral Candidates Discuss Clean Energy and Other Environmental Issues

Five mayoral candidates in Athens, Georgia, participated in an environmental forum held at the Athens-Clarke County Library, covering issues such as climate resilience, the Clean and Renewable Energy Plan, clean water access, and data center development. A central point of agreement among all candidates was their unified opposition to data centers in the city. Candidate Zuniga noted a data center previously built in her area, expressing frustration over officials' lack of community notification. Fisher clarified that this facility was "built by right" by Georgia Power, meaning local government notification was not required, and suggested an advisory committee along with collaborations with the University of Georgia for real-time environmental reporting. Miller and Gantt reiterated their opposition, advocating for community involvement to safeguard Athens. Denson highlighted the risks of data centers impacting Athens-Clarke County’s water utility and electrical grid, calling for community cooperation against their development and referencing his connections with Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard. Other forum discussions included incentivizing solar energy, balancing green spaces with affordable housing, and improving public transportation.