DeKalb County extends data center moratorium
DeKalb County has extended its moratorium on new data center applications for an additional 100 days due to resident concerns. Community members are voicing worries over water usage, aging infrastructure, and environmental impacts. A large proposed data center project in South DeKalb, submitted before the moratorium, is still under review.
DeKalb County has decided to extend its moratorium on new data center applications, a move that comes amidst growing concerns from residents regarding the county's infrastructure and environmental capacity. The extension, for an additional 100 days, keeps the moratorium in place until the end of September. This is the second extension, following an initial six-month period.
According to CBS Atlanta's Jamal Goss, community members are less concerned about the technology of artificial intelligence and cloud computing that data centers power, and more focused on whether DeKalb County's existing infrastructure, particularly water capacity, can sustain the rapid development. Residents also cite worries about aging infrastructure, potential environmental impacts, and the construction of large projects near residential neighborhoods.
During a recent meeting, residents advocated for more comprehensive research, including health studies and environmental scans, asserting that a proposed data center could use up to 100,000 gallons of water. One specific project in South DeKalb, estimated at 2 million square feet, remains under review as it was submitted prior to the moratorium's enactment.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for June 23rd, with many residents closely monitoring the ongoing discussions surrounding data center development in the county.