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Bill

SB 421

"The Data Center Transparency Act"; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 12 co-sponsors

Georgia data centers must publicly disclose energy/water usage and environmental impacts to increase regulatory oversight and community awareness of resource consumption.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SB 421

Legislative bill overview

SB 421, the Data Center Transparency Act, requires data centers operating in Georgia to disclose information about their operations, energy consumption, water usage, and environmental impact to state regulators and the public. The bill aims to increase transparency regarding the growing data center industry's resource demands and potential effects on local communities and infrastructure.

Why is this important

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, making them significant drivers of energy costs and resource strain in host communities. As Georgia attracts more data center development due to its tax incentives and infrastructure, this bill addresses growing concerns about environmental impacts and whether local governments have adequate information to make informed zoning and planning decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry burden: Data center operators may argue that mandatory disclosure requirements increase compliance costs and administrative complexity, potentially making Georgia less competitive for attracting new facilities compared to states with fewer regulations.
  • Competitive sensitivity: Companies may resist revealing detailed operational metrics, citing trade secrets and competitive disadvantage if information is disclosed publicly rather than kept confidential with regulators.
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's final language will likely spark debate over which facilities qualify as "data centers," what specific metrics must be disclosed, and what timeline companies have to comply.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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