A growing grassroots movement is pushing back against the rapid expansion of data centers, with residents calling for greater transparency, stronger regulations and more say over where the facilities are built. Opposition groups across Georgia have raised concerns about data centers’ potential impacts on electricity costs, water use, noise and rural communities.
The organization Humans First is making 35 stops across 27 states this fall in attempt to bring national attention to the growing number of communities pushing back against data center development. The group's mission is to end non-disclosure agreements, protect the pockets of residents and to prevent AI infrastructure from being built as they say it could threaten liberty and security.
Humans First Senior Advisor Kylie Kremer spoke before the media during a press conference to put into perspective why the advocacy group is traveling across the country.
"I believe Atlanta is already the second largest market in America for data centers, and we've seen time and time again that Republicans here in Georgia are not leaning on conservative things here in the state and they are pushing things like imminent domain," said Kremer. "We've had power rates in excess here in Georgia for a number of years and that is not okay. We the people want to make sure legislators are actually coming and talking to us. Republicans and Democrats have both been refusing to let us have a seat at the table, and that's why we're traveling all across America."
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Data Center Revolt Bus Tour stops in Effingham County
