Bulloch County residents push back against data centers as commissioners extend temporary ban

BULLOCH CO, Ga. (WTOC) - Bulloch County commissioners voted Tuesday to extend a temporary ban on data centers and are considering making the prohibition permanent through a zoning amendment.

Residents have voiced opposition to potential data center development, citing environmental and economic concerns.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reports that large centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water a day. One study found Georgia Power customers near data centers saw utility bills jump 267 percent over five years.

“This is an area that is heavily reliant on our farmers and our agriculture and I just think it’s really important value the land in the space over something that’s so pollution heavy,” said Athanasia Choate, a resident against data centers.

Residents also pointed to noise pollution as a concern.

“I get aggravated with hearing my dog bark, so I wouldn’t like that neither, especially for the babies and the elderly,” said Deandre Burton, a Bulloch County resident.

Bulloch County has not been approached by developers to build a data center. Chairman David Bennett said Tuesday he is not in favor of data centers but is willing to listen.

“I’m leaning toward no still, cause I just don’t know, but I can also tell you that I’m willing to listen to what’s going on,” Bennett said.

The temporary ban now runs through the end of the year. Commissioners put forward a motion Tuesday that could permanently ban data centers through a zoning amendment.