Savannah leaders push back on data centers amid environmental and cost concerns

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A town hall in Savannah is focusing on one trending and controversial topic: data centers.

City leaders and residents gathered at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center to discuss the likelihood of a data center coming to the Hostess City.

The mayor, city manager, and several residents said they oppose data centers in Savannah, though the meeting aimed to inform the public. One panelist said the discussion could highlight some potential benefits.

Despite their potential advantages, bringing a data center to Savannah may be difficult.

“We ain’t doing data centers,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said.

For residents in Chatham County, however, data centers are already a reality. In 2025, Port Wentworth approved an amendment allowing them.

Georgia Power says the state is well-positioned to benefit from data centers, but Johnson remains unconvinced.

“People have gotten a little bit more than they bargained for and didn’t get the promise that data centers promise, so I don’t think that’s really in our future,” Johnson said.

According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, a single data center can use as much water as Bryan County.

A report from Congress.gov indicates electricity consumption by data centers could triple by 2028, potentially accounting for 12% of all U.S. electricity use.

Peter Hubbard, a Democratic member of the Georgia Public Service Commission, said the issue is not the facilities themselves but a lack of financial accountability.

“These are multi-billion dollar companies that can pay their fair share. We just have to ask them to, and right now I don’t think we’re doing a good job at that,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said the Georgia General Assembly did not implement enough regulations before ending its session.

“And I think that’s a mistake on the legislature’s part because clearly people in Georgia are concerned about data centers coming, and no action was taken, so it’s left to the public service commission,” he said. “I still have some concerns around that. I do think we need more protection at the legislature.”

Another concern discussed involves the possible use of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in cooling systems. Hubbard said more research is needed before drawing conclusions, but added the issue could influence his support.