73% of Georgians concerned about data centers. Map reveals where developers see opportunity
A new survey reveals 73% of Georgians are concerned about data centers, with 83% supporting a moratorium on new construction until environmental and electricity impacts are studied. As a result, 55 Georgia cities and counties have already enacted moratoriums. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is attempting to counter this sentiment by promoting the economic benefits of data centers, while a nonprofit warns about federal incentives driving data center development into low-income
A recent bipartisan survey by Science for Georgia and Sachs Media indicates that 73% of Georgians are concerned about data centers, with an overwhelming 83% supporting a moratorium on new construction until environmental and electricity supply impacts are thoroughly studied. The survey also highlighted strong support for transparency laws, infrastructure protection, and community benefit agreements. As a result, 55 cities and counties across Georgia have already enacted moratoriums on data center development, with 33 currently active.
In response to this widespread concern, Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is advocating for the benefits of digital infrastructure through the Georgia Digital Infrastructure Alliance and the Data Center Ready Community Designation. Clark, citing a survey by Building a Better Georgia, argues that public perception improves significantly when people understand the practical applications that require data centers. He emphasizes the long-term economic benefits and investments made by hyperscalers like Meta, AWS, and Microsoft in local communities.
However, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), has released a map identifying areas in Georgia, particularly low-income census tracts, that developers may target due to federal Opportunity Zone tax incentives. Bruce Mitchell, principal researcher of the NCRC report "Preventing Hyperscale Harm," warns that these incentives, enhanced by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, could steer capital-intensive projects like data centers into rural areas without adequate community information or protection.
The local debate is exemplified in Harris County, where resident Jacelyn Moyer called for a moratorium due to transparency concerns and potential environmental impacts. Commissioner Greg Gantt acknowledged the county's "fiduciary responsibility" to consider new revenue streams amid declining tax bases, expressing reluctance to enact a moratorium and highlighting the tension between community concerns and local government's financial pressures. This discussion underscores the broader statewide challenge of balancing economic development with community and environmental protection.