City council unanimously freezes large-scale data center developments
The Savannah City Council has unanimously voted to temporarily halt the development of large-scale data centers that use 10 or more megawatts of electricity or warehouses exceeding 200,000 square feet. This moratorium will allow the city to assess impacts on water capacity, neighborhoods, and economic benefits, with a plan to revisit the decision in January.
The Savannah City Council has unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on the development or conversion of large-scale data centers that require 10 or more megawatts of electricity, or warehouses exceeding 200,000 square feet. Mayor Van Johnson stated that the city needs this time to comprehensively evaluate the potential impacts, including water capacity, effects on neighborhoods, long-term job growth, and overall economic benefits.
The council plans to revisit the moratorium during its second meeting in January. Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of "good policy before good politics," indicating a thorough review process to "figure this out."