In Georgia, residents are challenging plans for a $17 billion data center in Coweta County due to environmental and infrastructural concerns. The development, named Project Sail, has been put on hold by local authorities who have implemented a temporary ban on data centers to gather community feedback and refine zoning guidelines.

Community members are worried about the project’s potential impact on local noise levels, air quality, and the rural landscape. A recent town meeting hosted by the Coweta County Board of Commissioners saw local opposition focused on these issues, urging for more stringent regulations.

The land has been acquired by Prologis, a global leader in real estate, aiming to repurpose the site for a data center encompassing 831 acres with 13 proposed data hall buildings. However, the developers have since adjusted the project to scale down the number of buildings and emphasize proximity to existing power infrastructure, hoping to allay some community fears.

Despite assurances of bringing economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue for public services, residents remain concerned about the project’s significant energy and water demands, estimated at 900 megawatts and 9 million gallons per day, respectively.

This pushback reflects a broader trend of local communities across the U.S. and beyond resisting the data-driven expansion motivated by cloud computing and AI demands. The issue of transparency and the lack of significant local employment opportunities post-construction exacerbate community tensions.

As zoning discussions continue, Project Sail’s future hangs in balance, illustrating the need for a balance between rapid technological expansion and sustainable community development.