In this week’s Zoning In, a $5 billion data center project in Georgia has ignited a jurisdictional dispute between Newton County and the city of Social Circle. Originally planned as “Newton Technology Park,” the project was opposed by county officials, prompting developers to rebrand it as “Social Circle Technology Park.” However, county records do not confirm the land’s annexation, and legal teams are now reviewing the conflicting claims. Meanwhile, Douglas County, GA, has enacted a temporary moratorium on large data center requests, reflecting broader concerns about rapid industry expansion.
West Virginia is debating a microgrid bill that could attract data center investment but may shift energy costs onto residents. Frederick County, MD, is divided over new zoning regulations, with competing bills proposing different levels of oversight. In Ohio, developers are looking to onsite natural gas power plants to meet growing energy demands. As municipalities grapple with zoning and infrastructure challenges, the evolving regulatory landscape underscores the growing tension between economic development, environmental responsibility, and community impact.
Data Center Sparks Jurisdictional Battle in Georgia
A proposed $5 billion data center project along Ga. Highway 11 is caught in a jurisdictional dispute between Newton County and the city of Social Circle. Initially submitted as “Newton Technology Park,” the project required zoning changes from Newton County, which District 5 Commissioner LeAnne Long opposed. However, a revised application now identifies the site as “Social Circle Technology Park,” claiming the land is within Social Circle’s city limits—though Newton County’s records do not confirm the 2008 annexation. Legal teams are reviewing the conflicting claims, and the dispute may head to court. The Social Circle Planning and Zoning Commission is set to hear the rezoning request on April 22.
Read The Full Article at Rockdale Newton Citizen
Georgia Lawmakers Advance AI Transparency and Consumer Protection Bills
Georgia legislators are taking steps to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), and multiple bills are under consideration. House Bill 147, recently approved by a Senate committee, would require the Georgia Technology Authority and local governments to develop and publicly share AI usage plans, emphasizing transparency. Other AI-related legislation includes measures to criminalize AI-generated child exploitation material and the Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act, which limits businesses from selling personal data without consent. While supporters argue these bills enhance oversight and consumer protections, concerns remain over enforcement mechanisms and the burden on local governments.
Read The Full Article at NewsBreak
West Virginia’s Microgrid Bill – A Boon for Data Centers or a Burden for Ratepayers?
West Virginia’s proposed “Power Generation and Consumption Act” is stirring debate over the role of microgrids in attracting data center development while balancing the impact on electricity costs for residents. The bill, backed by Governor Patrick Morrisey, would create a Certified Microgrid Program and a High Impact Data Center Program, offering incentives to large energy users like data centers.
Supporters argue that West Virginia’s strategic location and energy resources position it well to compete for data center investment, which could drive economic growth. However, critics, including Senator Rupie Phillips and consumer advocates, worry that shifting energy costs onto ratepayers could further strain household budgets. Provisions in the bill aim to ensure microgrids cover their own reserve power costs, but concerns remain about long-term affordability and fairness in electricity pricing.
As the bill moves through the state legislature, the key question remains: Can West Virginia successfully court data centers while protecting consumers from rising energy costs?
Read The Full Article at WV Metro News
Mystery Company Pushes for Zoning Change to Bring Data Center to Slate Belt
Upper Mount Bethel Township in Pennsylvania is considering a zoning text amendment to explicitly allow data centers and campuses, potentially paving the way for a major facility at the 800-acre River Pointe Logistics Center. The change was requested by an unnamed company, with local officials bound by confidentiality agreements. While data centers are already permitted in the industrial zone, the ordinance does not currently define them. Speculation suggests the company may be a major online retailer, though no official confirmation has been made.
Read The Full Article at Lehigh Valley
Charles City Residents Push Back Against Proposed Data Center
This week, community members in Charles City County, VA, voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center project at a Board of Supervisors meeting. The plan would rezone 515 acres of agricultural land for the Roxbury Technology Park, developed by Diode Ventures.
While developers highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits—such as increased tax revenue, infrastructure improvements, and up to 100 permanent jobs—residents raised concerns over noise, long-term construction disruptions, and the site’s proximity to homes.
With a final vote scheduled for April 15, the debate underscores ongoing tensions between data center expansion and rural community impact.
Georgia Power’s Energy Roadmap Sparks Debate Amid Data Center Boom
Georgia Power presented its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan to the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), forecasting 8,000 megawatts of energy growth to support the state’s expanding data center industry. The plan includes new transmission lines, renewable energy investments, and extended operations for coal plants converted to natural gas co-firing.
Critics, including clean energy advocates and lawmakers, raised concerns about transparency, environmental impact, and potential ratepayer burdens. Georgia Power defended its approach, highlighting Georgia’s infrastructure reliability and affordability. New PSC rules aim to prevent residential and commercial customers from subsidizing data center power consumption.
Read The Full Article at Georgia Recorder
Deadlocked Vote in Spotsylvania Keeps By-Right Data Center Development
A motion to require a special use permit (SUP) for data centers in all zoning districts in Spotsylvania County failed in a 3-3 tie, effectively allowing data centers to continue by-right development in Industrial zones. The debate highlighted tensions between economic benefits, community input, and regulatory oversight. Supervisor Gerald Childress opposed the SUP, citing the county’s long-standing efforts to attract the industry, while Supervisor Lori Hayes argued for more public involvement in project approvals. With multiple data center projects already in the pipeline, the county remains at a crossroads on balancing growth with local concerns.
Read The Full Article at Frederickberg Free Press
Onsite Gas Plants Proposed for Ohio Data Centers
Three natural gas-fired power plants are being proposed to support data center operations near Columbus, Ohio, highlighting a shift in energy sourcing due to grid constraints.
EdgeConneX plans to build the PowerConneX New Albany Energy Center, a 120 MW plant providing primary power to its onsite data center. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with operations starting in early 2026.
Williams Companies, through Will-Power, is proposing two additional plants—Socrates North and South Power Generation Facility Projects—which will collectively generate 400 MW. Pending approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board, these plants aim to be operational by Q3 2026.
The move toward onsite generation reflects the industry’s response to grid limitations and the growing power demands of AI-driven workloads. Some data centers are even operating as microgrids, independent from traditional utilities, to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
With over 1,900 U.S. data center projects in development and investments exceeding $800 billion, this trend underscores the industry’s evolving energy strategy.
Read The Full Article at PowerENG
Georgia Power’s 2025 Energy Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Data Centers’ Growing Demand
Georgia Power’s proposed 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is under intense review as the utility projects a significant increase in energy demand due to a booming data center sector. At a recent Georgia Public Service Commission hearing, company officials defended their strategy, which includes 8,000 megawatts of growth through the early 2030s, expanded transmission infrastructure, and a mix of renewable and traditional energy sources. Critics, including environmental groups and consumer advocates, argue that Georgia Power’s plan prioritizes profitability over affordability and sustainability. Protesters outside the hearing voiced concerns over rising utility bills, delayed coal plant retirements, and a lack of transparency in expansion plans. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing economic development with environmental responsibility in Georgia’s rapidly growing data center market.
Read The Full Article at The Current GA
Frederick County Debates Stricter Data Center Siting Rules
Frederick County’s debate over data center expansion continues, as a new bill proposed by Council President Brad Young and Council Member Renee Knapp aims to refine siting and design requirements. The bill would restrict new data centers to general and limited industrial zones that meet specific criteria, such as proximity to high-voltage transmission lines and exclusion from conservation areas. It also introduces stricter noise and vibration monitoring and limits diesel generator use.
A competing bill from Council Members Steve McKay and Jerry Donald proposes even stricter oversight, requiring all data center applications to go through the County Council. However, Knapp and Young’s bill is likely to be voted on first.
Public debate at a recent hearing drew a divided crowd, including union representatives advocating for job opportunities, conservationists warning of environmental risks, and industry supporters emphasizing structured growth. Critics raised concerns about “by-right” zoning, potential land speculation, and the lack of an upper limit on data centers.
The bill is set for a third reading on May 6, with a potential final vote to follow. Meanwhile, McKay and Donald’s bill will be reviewed in a workshop later in May.
