Data center protest held at Georgia Capitol as part of nationwide demonstration
Protesters gathered at the Georgia State Capitol as part of a nationwide demonstration against rapid data center development, citing concerns about rising electricity costs, rural land use, and a lack of community consent. Organized by Humans First, the rallies demanded an end to tax breaks for the industry, while the Data Center Coalition defended data centers as a significant economic driver for the state.
A national day of protest against data center development saw demonstrators gather at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The protest was one of 11 organized across Georgia by the grassroots group Humans First, coinciding with over 100 similar demonstrations nationwide.
Activists are demanding that communities have an equal say in data center expansion and that tax breaks for technology firms be ended, alleging that these companies secure special treatment without public consent. Debra Davis, a resident of Coweta County, voiced concerns about a potential data center behind her home, warning it could ruin wetlands and forests, forcing neighbors to relocate.
Research from Georgia Tech indicates that while counties hosting data centers see increases in employment, income, and wages, these benefits tend to favor metro areas over rural towns. The study also found that local electricity prices typically rise by about 5% after a facility begins operations.
Conversely, the Data Center Coalition defended the industry's economic contributions, citing over 187,000 jobs, a $29 billion contribution to Georgia's GDP, and $2.1 billion in state and local taxes in 2024. Coalition President Josh Levi affirmed the industry's commitment to being responsible partners, investing in power generation and transmission, practicing responsible water usage, and engaging with policymakers and residents to mitigate negative impacts.