Former Fulton County lawmaker wants more citizen say on data centers
Former Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall is advocating for increased public input on data center developments in Georgia, citing concerns about their strain on public resources like water and electricity. She has proposed a plan for more public notice and stronger regulations to ensure communities are not negatively impacted and receive benefits from these projects.
Former Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall is pushing for greater citizen involvement in decisions regarding data center development across Georgia. During a recent news conference, Hall voiced concerns that data centers place significant strain on public resources, particularly water and electricity, and questioned the tax incentives provided to these facilities.
Hall's proposed plan calls for increased public notice and stricter regulations for new data center projects. She emphasized the need for more transparency about the environmental and infrastructural impacts of these developments, advocating for locations that minimize negative effects on communities and residents.
With 30 years of experience in IT, Hall stated her understanding of the industry's substantial demands on local resources, including water, electricity, public infrastructure, and transportation. Her initiative aims to prevent higher utility costs for families and ensure that communities benefit from the presence of data centers.