Georgia fines 2 companies over data center, power plant permit violations
Georgia fined the companies building a data center and its neighboring power plant in Covington after construction began without the required permits. Construction has resumed following a state stop-work order, while local advocates argue the penalties are insufficient and the Georgia Public Service Commission prepares to hold a hearing on the project.
Construction has resumed on a large data center and adjacent power plant in Covington, in Newton County, after Georgia regulators issued a stop-work order during the summer. The state assessed more than $40,000 in penalties, including a $31,000 fine for the data center company and an $11,500 fine for VoltaGrid, the company overseeing construction of the power plant. Officials said the companies began work without the proper permits.
The companies told state officials that the permit violations were unintentional and argued they did not violate the Clean Air Act because the plant's engines were not connected to a fuel source producing emissions. Maurice Carter of Sustainable Newton, who helped raise concerns about potential violations, said the penalties do not go far enough and called for stronger state action to help communities manage the size and scope of data center development. The Georgia Public Service Commission is scheduled to hold a Dec. 9 hearing on the project and determine whether a formal state investigation is warranted.