April 24 - Advocates 'frustrated' after 20 data center bills fail to pass Georgia legislature

Activist Diana Dietz and other advocates expressed deep frustration after none of the 20 data center-related bills introduced in the Georgia legislature passed during the recent session. Community members and organizations, including Wanda Mosley, policy director with Black Voters Matter, are concerned about the industry's impact on ordinary Georgians, particularly regarding electricity costs and environmental effects. Georgia has rapidly become a hub for data center development, with approximately 100 centers in Metro Atlanta and 40 more planned for the Southside, according to Science For Georgia. For instance, Coweta County commissioners recently approved the rezoning for "Project Sail," an 800-acre, $17 billion data center near Newnan. While some view data centers as an economic boon, opposition has mounted due to their substantial consumption of water and electricity, and their strain on existing infrastructure. Legislative proposals aimed to address these concerns, including bills to prevent electricity infrastructure costs from being passed to consumers, revoke data center tax breaks, and even enact a statewide moratorium. Despite public outcry and an election influenced by rising power bills, the Georgia General Assembly took no action. Consumer advocacy groups like Georgia Watch, led by executive director Liz Coyle, warn that Georgians risk subsidizing new power infrastructure that may not be fully needed, as data centers can choose alternative utilities. Environmental advocates, including Mark Woodall of the Sierra Club and Amy Sharma of Science for Georgia, are alarmed by Georgia Power's reliance on fossil fuels to meet data center demand and the industry's significant water usage during worsening drought conditions. Despite the legislative setback, organizers like Fayette County's Diana Dietz remain hopeful for future state-level regulations to protect communities.