Dougherty County Commissioners approve 45-day resolution to review zoning for data centers
Dougherty County Commissioners approved a 45-day resolution to review zoning ordinances for large-scale data center developments. The review will address concerns about water and electricity usage and determine whether to implement specific zoning or potentially forbid data centers. This initiative is effective immediately, lasting until early September.
Dougherty County Commissioners in Albany, Georgia, unanimously approved a 45-day resolution to initiate a county-wide review of large-scale data center developments. The resolution, effective immediately and lasting until early September, creates a temporary pause on new data center activity while leaders examine the existing zoning ordinance.
According to Gloria Gaines, representative for District Five for Dougherty County Commission, the goal is to determine if specific zoning regulations are needed for data centers, or if they should be forbidden entirely. Commissioners expressed concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, specifically their significant water and electricity consumption, given the region's "pristine aquifers." The review aims to comprehensively assess the overall impact of these facilities on the community.