Second Lawsuit Targets Effingham IDA Over OpenAI Data Center
Two lawsuits have been filed against Effingham County and its Industrial Development Authority regarding OpenAI's proposed Project Camellia data center. The first lawsuit challenges the zoning ordinance approval, while the second alleges violations of Georgia's open-government laws concerning public meetings, records, and the sale of public land for the project. Both highlight community concerns over transparency and participation in the large data center development.
Two lawsuits have been filed in Effingham County, Georgia, against local government entities regarding OpenAI's proposed $20 billion Project Camellia data center. The project, planned for 1,440 acres at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, is projected to require 3.2 gigawatts of electricity and be developed in phases between 2028 and 2032.
The first lawsuit, filed on September 2 by residents Dr. Michelle Finch-Mincey, Lehman Mincey Jr., and Raymond Carver, challenges Ordinance 2026-352. This ordinance, approved by county commissioners on August 4, allows data centers in industrial zoning districts. The plaintiffs allege that the county failed to hold required public hearings before changing the zoning ordinance and seek to have it declared invalid.
A second lawsuit was filed on Monday by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of environmental group One Hundred Miles and Effingham County residents. This suit names the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) as the defendant, alleging violations of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act. The complaint claims the ECIDA concealed information about "Project Camellia" (identified as "Project Gateway" on agendas) and a nearly $900 million tax abatement, preventing public participation. It also challenges the rescheduling of a July meeting without proper notice and the sale of public land to Octans GA LLC, an OpenAI affiliate, without a required public meeting. Residents like Manjusha Sheobaran express concern over lack of transparency. The ECIDA stated it has not been formally served and cannot comment on the allegations but remains committed to legal compliance.