Augusta commissioners to decide whether to delay data center rules
Augusta commissioners are poised to decide whether to approve new data center regulations or postpone them, following a recommendation from an appointed board. Public critics are scheduled to speak at the upcoming meeting, raising concerns about water use and noise.
Augusta commissioners are scheduled to decide on Tuesday whether to vote on proposed data center regulations or to follow an appointed board's recommendation to postpone them. The Public Services committee previously forwarded a proposal to extend the current moratorium on data centers without a specific recommendation.
Simultaneously, planning staff have advised the commission to approve a newly drafted data center ordinance that would impose restrictions on the industry. Several data center critics are expected to speak at the full commission meeting, including League of Women Voters co-president Gayla Keesee, who is advocating for a delay and stronger regulations. Priscilla Wheeler intends to discuss concerns about water use, low-frequency noise, and the need for an independent study.