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Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation that would temporarily halt the construction of new data centers statewide, as concerns grow over the facilities’ energy consumption, water use, and impact on utility costs.

The bill was introduced by Democratic state legislator Ruwa Romman and would establish a moratorium on new data center projects until March 2027. The proposal is intended to give state, county, and municipal governments time to develop regulations governing the siting and operation of data centers. Republican lawmaker Jordan Ridley is listed as a co-sponsor.

The proposal follows rapid growth in data center development across Georgia, particularly in the Atlanta metropolitan area, which led the United States in new data center construction in 2024. In December, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a plan allowing Georgia Power to add 10 gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity over the coming years, citing increased demand largely driven by data centers.

Data centers, which support cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, require large amounts of electricity and water. In response, several Georgia municipalities have already enacted local moratoriums on new facilities. According to Tech Policy Press, municipalities in at least 14 states have taken similar action.

Related legislation introduced by other Georgia lawmakers includes proposals to limit tax incentives for data centers, require public reporting of energy and water usage, and protect consumers from potential increases in utility rates.

Similar statewide moratorium bills have recently been introduced in Maryland and Oklahoma. At the federal level, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed a national pause on new data center construction.

The Georgia bill is currently under consideration in the state legislature.

Source: theguardian.com