Brian Strickland shares stance on data centers
Georgia Attorney General candidate Brian Strickland discusses his stance on data center construction, advocating for local government control over approvals and emphasizing the Attorney General's responsibility to ensure environmental protection and permit compliance. He stresses the importance of balancing economic benefits with safeguarding Georgia's natural resources for future generations.
Brian Strickland, a Republican state senator campaigning for Georgia Attorney General, shared his position on data center construction within the state. He asserted that decisions regarding the approval of data centers should primarily rest with local governments, such as county commissions and city councils. This approach, he explained, ensures that elected officials are close to their constituents and can address community concerns about where these facilities are located, acknowledging that data centers are "not for everybody" due to associated challenges, despite the economic benefits they bring, particularly to rural Georgia.
Strickland outlined the specific role he envisions for the Attorney General's office in this process. He emphasized that the Attorney General serves as the lawyer for the Environmental Protection Division, tasked with ensuring that approved developments comply with environmental laws, protect waterways, and adhere to required permitting and oversight. He expressed his commitment to "double down" on this role, ensuring the office is present for all significant developments.
He concluded by reiterating the necessity of balancing job creation and financial incentives with long-term environmental sustainability. Strickland highlighted concerns about the impact on drinking water, skies, and natural landscapes, stating that his job would be to ensure that any approved data center development is executed "the right way" to protect all Georgians moving forward.