Election changes data center equation in Georgia, but it might be temporary
Georgia’s election results strengthened opposition to new data center development, including a proposed 1,000-acre project in Effingham County. Officials and candidates critical of data centers may seek to halt development when the new state government takes office, although the shift could be temporary as technology and political priorities change.
The election reshaped Georgia’s political environment for data center development, with several successful candidates campaigning against large facilities. Democrat David Dilley defeated former Georgia State Patrol colonel and longtime legislator Bill Hitchens after criticizing a proposed 1,000-acre data center project in Effingham County. Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms was also identified as a critic of data center expansion.
Amy Sharma of Georgians for Data Center Reform said the issue helped propel local candidates who otherwise might not have run or had little chance of winning. She expects the incoming administration and legislature to restrict or halt new development, but said the change may be temporary as technology evolves and the design and scale of data centers change. 11Alive reporter Doug Richards said more specific policy proposals could emerge at the Georgia Capitol next year.