State floating new rules for data centers

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is proposing new rules aimed at allowing the state agency to resume its reviews of new data center projects.

The DCA called a temporary pause to state reviews of Development of Regional Impact (DRI) proposals for data centers back in July. Environmental advocates complained the move would let data centers – which have a huge impact on energy and water supplies – win approval without sufficient scrutiny.

'In recent years, there has been a rise in developments that have large and potentially adverse effects that are not currently accounted for in the DRI rules,' DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn wrote in a memo last week.

'There has been a stated concern by (Atlanta) Regional Commission staff that the rules be amended to include such developments to ensure that the purpose and mission of the DRI rules are met.'

The proposed rules would require developers of data centers to disclose information about each project's energy and water needs. Proposed data centers would be divided between those located in urban or suburban areas and those in rural parts of the state.

In cities and suburbs, the rules would apply to data centers covering more than 300,000 square feet. Data centers in rural areas would not come under the rules unless they cover more than 500,000 square feet.

The rules would create a new category of DRIs called 'technological facility,' which would include data centers, as well as a second new category for solar power generating facilities.

The DCA will hold a public hearing on the new rules Sept. 9 at the agency's board room at 60 Executive Park South in Atlanta. Public comment via email is being accepted through Sept. 12.

The DCA board will act on the proposed rules Nov. 20 at a meeting in Savannah.