On October 6, three Democratic candidates from Georgia discussed environmental policies, focusing on data centers, renewable energy, and water, at a forum held at the Athens-Clarke County library. The candidates included Suzanna Karatassos (House District 120), Eric Gisler (House District 121), and Ray Smith (Senate District 46).
During the forum, which attracted around 40 attendees, the primary concern revolved around the impact of data centers on local communities. All candidates expressed opposition to data centers but proposed different approaches to address their implications.
Ray Smith advocated for a moratorium on new data center constructions until proper safeguards are implemented. He suggested that these facilities should cover the costs of necessary upgrades to the electrical transmission system and highlighted the potential for data centers to operate on 100% renewable energy.
Eric Gisler did not favor an immediate moratorium but proposed to curb the incentive structure that attracts data centers by repealing existing tax breaks and reinforcing local regulations regarding water use and infrastructure costs.
Suzanna Karatassos called for a one-year moratorium on new data centers, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks to manage their placement within industrial zones, thereby protecting residential and environmentally sensitive areas.
All candidates agreed on the necessity of public involvement in discussions about data centers and recognized the need for better regulations and transparency in government dealings with these facilities.
