Area leaders ponder the potential of data centers

Local leaders across southeast Georgia are proactively addressing the impending arrival of data centers, an industry that is driving policy debates despite not having a strong physical presence in many local communities yet. A town hall in Savannah brought together residents, public service commission candidates, elected officials, and data center opponents to discuss concerns. While Georgia lawmakers failed to pass new state-level regulations this year, local governments are taking action. Bulloch County, for instance, enacted a 90-day moratorium in February to study the facilities and draft comprehensive zoning regulations. Bulloch County Commission Chairman David Bennett emphasized the need to be prepared for the inevitable interest from data center developers. Other counties like Bryan and Liberty have different stances, with Bryan County not permitting data centers under current ordinances and Liberty County having previously received an inquiry that stalled due to water restrictions. Effingham County's Industrial Development Authority is fielding inquiries but not actively recruiting. Environmental advocacy groups and residents, including Chassidy Malloy of Georgia Conservation Voters and Kristen Stampfer of Coastal Communities United, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over high electricity and water usage, noise, heat, land clearing, and a perceived lack of transparency from local officials and Georgia Power. Stampfer specifically called for more transparency and citizen input, criticizing what she views as "one-sided education" from Georgia Power. A ballot question regarding data centers will appear on Republican ballots in Bulloch County's May election, indicating significant local opposition. Concerns also include the potential for data centers to become obsolete, leaving behind infrastructure that no longer generates revenue. Peter Hubbard, a public service commissioner, highlighted a loophole in Georgia Power's 15-year minimum contracts for high-load data centers.