Dozens of residents raised concerns during data center forum
Effingham County residents voiced significant concerns at a public forum regarding Project Camellia, a proposed OpenAI data center campus. Key issues included the county's lack of a data center ordinance, the project's substantial water and electricity usage, and tax abatements offered to wealthy companies. Many residents left the forum disappointed with the answers provided.
Effingham County residents gathered at a public forum in Springfield to discuss Project Camellia, a massive proposed OpenAI data center campus, which is considered one of the largest development projects in the area's history.
Attendees, including many who call Effingham County home, came to ask experts about the potential impacts of the OpenAI data center on their lives, finances, and health. A panel comprising nonprofit leaders, public service commissioners, and experts addressed questions surrounding data centers, specifically the proposed OpenAI facility.
One significant concern raised was the absence of a specific data center ordinance in Effingham County. County officials stated they plan to use the OpenAI project as a template for developing a future ordinance. Residents questioned why the state is seeing an influx of data center discussions, particularly criticizing the tax abatements offered to what they described as the "wealthiest companies in the world."
Additional concerns focused on the substantial water and power usage required for the 1,400-acre campus. Although OpenAI and county officials claimed no electric costs would be passed on to consumers, the closely cooled system is estimated to use up to 40% more electricity. One resident expressed disappointment, stating that the forum, advertised as non-partisan, felt like a collection effort for the data center.