Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms’ proposed statewide moratorium on new data centers “irresponsible” and “insane,” arguing it would deny willing communities jobs, investment and tax revenue.
In a Politico Energy interview published July 27, Kemp said Georgia does not need a data center in every community and some projects have advanced without enough transparency. Still, he rejected a blanket freeze, saying local officials and residents should decide whether developments fit their communities.
Bottoms backed a temporary statewide pause during an April debate, saying Georgia moved too quickly and should assess effects on electricity, water, infrastructure and nearby residents before approving more projects. She proposed bringing environmental experts, utilities, economic development officials and communities together for a review.
The clash intensified after OpenAI announced a $20 billion Effingham County campus. Project Camellia would require 3.2 gigawatts of electricity and initially create about 400 permanent jobs. Nearly 1,000 residents attended an open house, reflecting growing public concern over the industry’s rapid expansion.
A Georgia Public Service Commission fact sheet says Georgia Power’s projected seven-year generation need jumped from 400 megawatts in 2022 to 8,500 megawatts by 2025. Regulators say new billing rules and contracts are intended to prevent data center costs from shifting to residential customers.
State lawmakers introduced bipartisan proposals in 2026 to pause construction, revise tax incentives and require impact reviews, but none reached Kemp’s desk. Meanwhile, Connected Georgia, an industry-backed group, launched an advertising campaign promoting the sector’s economic benefits.
Kemp favors local control and targeted safeguards. Bottoms says statewide guardrails are needed before more multibillion-dollar projects advance, setting up a major policy fight in the race to replace the term-limited governor.
