GA County Commissioners Vote Unanimously To Delay Vote On AI "Hypercenter" After Large-Scale Resident Pushback

Commissioners in a Georgia county unanimously decided to delay a vote on contentious new rules governing massive data center projects, during a meeting that drew an unusual overflow crowd. Dozens of local residents packed the Commissioner Chambers in Newnan, 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, with more standing outside. Many wore red to show their unified opposition to “Project Sail,” a $17 billion “hyperscale” data center proposed in the Coweta County community of Sargent. “Folks, we’ve got a long night ahead of us,” said County Commission Chairman Bill McKenzie at the start of the August 19 evening meeting, according to a livestream.

The groundswell of opposition to data centers in Coweta County is emblematic of grassroots fights taking place in communities across the United States, as developers seek to build gigantic projects hungry for land, water and power to meet skyrocketing demand for artificial intelligence (AI). Georgia is home to the country’s fastest-growing data center market, according to global real estate services company CBRE, with various projects proposed in rural and suburban areas.

The Coweta County Commissioners had called a hearing at the county’s regularly-held public meeting to discuss a proposed local law — known as an ordinance — setting out new planning rules for data centers. The rules were drawn up in response to residents’ concerns that industrial sprawl from the projects will harm their quality of life.

A review of public records by DeSmog found that lobbyists and representatives of at least three data center projects sought to weaken various provisions which were later removed from the draft — including draft clauses related to environmental impact assessments, public hearings, and rezoning rules. Many local residents say that county staff and commissioners have so far failed to address their concerns and favored developers in drafting the ordinance. “When we gather here tonight it’s because of something bigger than a building that’s happening in Coweta County,” resident Rob Cole told commissioners at the hearing. “Project Sail is not just a development, it’s a symbol of a growing disconnect between those elected to serve us and the people they represent.”

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https://www.desmog.com/2025/08/20/georgia-county-puts-off-key-data-center-vote-after-public-backlash/