DeKalb County debates future of data center growth
DeKalb County in Georgia is currently debating the future of data center expansion, with commissioners having extended a moratorium on new data center applications. The debate centers on the potential impacts of data centers on energy and water use, pollution, and sound, as well as land use and zoning considerations. A local CEO argues that while regulation is needed, a moratorium acts as a "death sentence" to job growth and economic development.
DeKalb County, Georgia, is grappling with the rapid growth of data centers, with county commissioners currently implementing a moratorium on new data center applications. Reporter Joe Ripley notes that metro Atlanta is a hotspot for data center development, but municipalities and counties are increasingly hesitant about their expansion.
Commissioner Nicole Massiah of District 3 highlighted that her district, rich in undeveloped land, attracts developers for data centers supporting data storage, cloud services, and artificial intelligence. However, she expressed concerns regarding the unknown impacts on energy use, water consumption, pollution, and noise. Last month, DeKalb County commissioners extended a moratorium on new data center applications until at least the end of September 2025, to conduct further research into potential health and safety impacts.
Kirk O'Fell, CEO of Overwatch Mission Critical, supports data center expansion, citing potential job growth. He advocates for clearer communication about the industry's impact and for regulations that ensure developers design facilities responsibly to avoid driving up consumer energy prices. O'Fell cautioned that a moratorium could be a "death sentence" for development, suggesting that counties that close their doors might push investment and jobs elsewhere. He likened the current data center industry's stage to that of the auto industry a century ago, emphasizing the need for a new workforce and training regimen to support AI development and infrastructure.