Warnock calls for Georgia data center moratorium

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is calling for a statewide moratorium on data centers after visiting the site where OpenAI is planning a massive data center in coastal Georgia. 

The OpenAI data center in Effingham County has drawn widespread opposition from locals since it was announced last month. Many were surprised, and have called for more information about the project and a greater say in how it proceeds. After meeting with concerned residents on Friday, Warnock echoed their concerns at a press conference. 

“I’m demanding that those who come here to build, to create jobs and bring new opportunities, also take the time to build relationships with the people who already call this home,” he said.

OpenAI has said it will provide $80 million for a community fund and translate local concerns into specific commitments and accountability measures.

Warnock applauded the community for coming together to oppose the data center.

“In a nation and in a county or in a state where people say folks are divided, the residents of Effingham County are united in their concern about what’s about to happen to their community, and they’re demanding that their voices be heard,” he said.

Local resident John Smith echoed that sentiment. He stressed that concerns about the project cut across political lines, and thanked the Democratic senator for visiting a county that often votes Republican.

“As a community, we expect and demand our elected representatives to look out for all of our best interests, even if we didn’t necessarily vote for them,” Smith said.

Another local resident, conservationist Isaiah Scott, said it’s rare for people to come together the way they have around opposing the OpenAI project. 

“This has been the most united I’ve seen the Effingham community,” Scott said. “It’s unfortunate that it has to be around being against this data center. But it makes me feel proud to see people voicing their opinions.”

A contract for Georgia Power to provide the OpenAI data center with electricity was just approved by state regulators. It calls for 3,200 megawatts of electricity -– the most since the utility started reporting its large customers’ contracts. The utility also agreed to additional measures aimed at protecting Georgia residents and small businesses from data center-related energy costs. 

Other coastal communities have come out against data centers since the project in Effingham was announced. Savannah recently approved a 155-day moratorium. City officials in Richmond Hill say their local development ordinance already prohibits data centers.