Senator Warnock calls for Georgia data center moratorium

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock has called for a statewide moratorium on the construction of data centers in Georgia. The proposal follows local opposition to a planned $20 billion, 1,440-acre OpenAI data center in Effingham County.

Warnock criticized the lack of federal regulation regarding the artificial intelligence boom, stating that in the absence of congressional action, states and local communities are in a “race to the bottom.” The proposed moratorium could be lifted if developers meet specific guarantees, including ensuring no increases in local water or electricity bills, preventing air, water, noise, and light pollution, and banning nondisclosure agreements related to the deals.

OpenAI has stated it will provide an $80 million community fund to address local concerns. Residents in Effingham County have expressed frustration over the project, citing a lack of transparency and a desire for more community input in the development process.