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Where are new data centers being built? Atlanta metro takes top spot

Where are new data centers being built? Atlanta metro takes top spot

Atlanta was named the top market for data center construction, according to a CBRE report. The city overtook Northern Virginia for the first time.

Georgia Power Customers Face Soaring Summer Electricity Bills Amid Plant Vogtle Completion and Data Center Demand

Georgia Power Customers Face Soaring Summer Electricity Bills Amid Plant Vogtle Completion and Data Center Demand

Georgia Power customers are experiencing significant increases in their electricity bills, particularly during the summer months. Some residents, like Donica Odell, have seen their monthly bills reach nearly $600, a substantial rise compared to winter averages of around $120. This surge in costs follows the completion of the nuclear-powered Plant Vogtle and is exacerbated by the utility's efforts to secure additional power resources to meet the growing demand from data centers. Georgia Power, the state's largest utility, has one of the highest rates of utility disconnections nationwide. A study by the Energy and Policy Institute reported 187,007 disconnections out of nearly 2.5 million customers in 2024, placing Georgia Power 10th nationally. The problem intensifies in the summer when disconnections rise concurrently with soaring temperatures, leaving households without essential air conditioning.

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick Advocates for Data Center Development, Citing Economic Benefits

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick Advocates for Data Center Development, Citing Economic Benefits

Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick (R) has publicly championed the development of data centers within Georgia. McCormick recently stated on X that the state should be proud of its appeal to companies seeking to develop and invest, attributing this to Georgia's energy security which supports American technological innovation. He emphasized that an increase in data centers directly translates to more jobs, greater investment, and enhanced innovation across Georgia. This stance aligns with a broader political movement advocating for data center expansion, with proponents highlighting the economic advantages such as job creation and community investments. The discussion around data centers also involves addressing public concerns, with surveys indicating that clear articulation of benefits like tax breaks and educational grants can significantly increase public support.

Congressman Burlison Emphasizes Need for Data Centers to Compete with China Amidst Growing Public Backlash

Congressman Burlison Emphasizes Need for Data Centers to Compete with China Amidst Growing Public Backlash

Congressman Eric Burlison, a Republican from Missouri, is advocating for the continued development of data centers in the United States, emphasizing their importance for competing with China. This stance comes amidst a growing backlash from the public and a shift in political rhetoric, with many politicians, including some Republicans and Democrats, now expressing concerns about the downsides of data centers. These concerns include rising power bills, significant water usage, air pollution, eminent domain issues, and the need for taxes and subsidies. While many elected officials are now focusing on mitigating the negative impacts of data centers, Burlison maintains that building these facilities is crucial for national competitiveness. He has publicly stated, "Ask yourself who benefits when Americans turn against data centers? China does," highlighting the strategic imperative of data center expansion despite local opposition.

Senator Schumer's Daughter Joins OpenAI Amidst Growing Debate on AI Data Centers

Senator Schumer's Daughter Joins OpenAI Amidst Growing Debate on AI Data Centers

Jessica Schumer, daughter of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, has been hired by OpenAI to oversee policy and partnerships in the U.S. Northeast. This move comes as lawmakers, including Senator Schumer, are increasingly grappling with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the massive data center infrastructure required to support it. OpenAI's hiring of Jessica Schumer is part of a broader expansion of the company's policy operation, focusing on state-level government relations as states play a larger role in shaping AI policy. OpenAI stated that Jessica Schumer will focus on state and local public policy efforts and will not be involved in federal policy or engagement with Congress, nor will she advocate before her father's office.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Data Center Costs and Power Demand

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Data Center Costs and Power Demand

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar is a co-sponsor of a four-bill package introduced by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam aimed at regulating the rapid expansion of data centers in the U.S. This legislative initiative seeks to address concerns regarding the electricity demand, water usage, and rising utility costs associated with data centers. The proposed bills would require large data centers to bear the full cost of power and grid upgrades necessitated by their operations, rather than passing these expenses onto residential consumers. Additionally, the package includes provisions for establishing national guidelines for data center siting, creating standards for measuring energy and water consumption, and developing a federal plan to protect communities and critical infrastructure near these facilities from potential threats.

Representative Eric Burlison Advocates for Data Center Development to Counter China's Influence

Representative Eric Burlison Advocates for Data Center Development to Counter China's Influence

Representative Eric Burlison, a Republican from Missouri, is a vocal proponent for the continued development of data centers in the United States. He argues that opposition to data center construction inadvertently benefits China, emphasizing that their proliferation is an inevitable aspect of technological advancement. Burlison's stance highlights a growing debate within U.S. politics regarding the balance between local community concerns and national technological competitiveness. While some politicians, like Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Ohio Senator Jon Husted, have shifted their positions to address public resistance to data centers, Burlison maintains that the U.S. must embrace this technology to remain competitive on the global stage. His perspective aligns with the view that data centers are crucial for a robust technological future and for keeping pace with international rivals.

Senator Warnock Calls for Statewide Moratorium on Data Centers in Georgia Amid Local Opposition

Senator Warnock Calls for Statewide Moratorium on Data Centers in Georgia Amid Local Opposition

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock is advocating for a statewide moratorium on data centers in Georgia. This call follows his visit to Effingham County, where OpenAI plans to construct a large data center. The project has encountered significant local opposition since its announcement in July, with residents expressing surprise and demanding more information and involvement in the development process. Senator Warnock echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of companies building relationships with local communities. OpenAI has committed to providing an $80 million community fund and addressing local concerns through specific commitments. The community's unified opposition to the data center was applauded by Warnock. State regulators recently approved a contract for Georgia Power to supply 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the OpenAI data center, the largest such contract reported by the utility, with additional measures to protect residents and small businesses from energy cost increases. Other coastal ...

Savannah Morning News

Residents question noise impacts of OpenAI data center I Exclusive

Residents question noise impacts of OpenAI data center I Exclusive

Residents in Effingham County fear noise and quality of life issues as a new OpenAI data center nears construction.

Factbox-The nine midterm races that will decide control of the US Senate

Factbox-The nine midterm races that will decide control of the US Senate

By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Democrats need to pick up four seats from Republicans to win control of the 100-seat Senate in the midterm elections on November 3. While voters will pick candidates in 35 states, independent analysts only see nine of those races as competitive.

China Accused of Fueling Anti-Data Center Sentiment in the U.S., Despite Thin Evidence

China Accused of Fueling Anti-Data Center Sentiment in the U.S., Despite Thin Evidence

Recent reports from platforms like X and OpenAI suggest that entities linked to China are attempting to influence public opinion against data center construction in the United States. X announced it identified 200 accounts connected to China spreading anti-data center narratives, leading to alarmist headlines. OpenAI also banned a cluster of users it linked to the Chinese government for 'testing narratives against AI infrastructure.' President Trump has echoed these concerns, stating that 'China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement.' However, experts in China and social media analytics firms like Graphika indicate that the evidence supporting significant foreign intervention is thin. Graphika's vice president of intelligence, Tyler Williams, stated that most opposition to data centers observed online is homegrown, driven by environmental concerns, political systems, and general resistance to artificial intelligence, rather than foreign influence.

Savannah Morning News

Meet the new leaders steering ULI Savannah’s next chapter

Meet the new leaders steering ULI Savannah’s next chapter

ULI Savannah names a new leadership team to guide the organization as it tackles regional growth and infrastructure.