Mayor Van Johnson pushes for moratorium on Savannah data center developments
Savannah City Council is considering a proposed 155-day moratorium on large-scale data center developments. Mayor Van Johnson is advocating for the moratorium to allow the city time to develop a comprehensive policy for data centers. A public hearing and ordinance adoption are scheduled for this Thursday.
Savannah City Council is set to hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance adoption this Thursday for a proposed moratorium on large-scale data center developments. If passed, the ordinance would halt new large-scale data center construction within Savannah for 155 days.
Mayor Van Johnson is a strong proponent of the moratorium, stating that it would provide the city with crucial time to formulate a thoughtful policy regarding data centers. He highlighted that Georgia currently hosts 5,000 data centers with another 4,500 on tap, recognizing potential vulnerabilities where large-scale data centers could be developed by right without adequate city policy.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the need for Savannah's policy to catch up with current technology and ensure that citizens' interests are considered. While he has repeatedly expressed that large-scale data centers do not belong in Savannah, he acknowledges that the city will continue to face pressure from companies interested in developing within its limits.