Bill > HB1059

This bill, known as the "Data Center Impact Assessment and Development Moratorium Act of 2026," prohibits the construction or development of new data centers, defined as facilities housing working servers, from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, by preventing local governments from issuing necessary permits, licenses, or certificates, though this moratorium does not apply to permits already issued before July 1, 2026. To address concerns about the rapid growth of data centers straining public resources like the electric grid and water supply, increasing noise and air pollution, and impacting housing availability and property values, the bill establishes a 14-member Data Center Impact Assessment Commission. This commission, composed of appointees from the Governor, legislative leaders, the Public Service Commission, and state departments, will conduct a three-year study on the cumulative impacts of data center development and, by October 1, 2029, will submit a report with findings and policy recommendations to state leadership, including potential statewide zoning ordinances or model local ordinances for data center locations, environmental mitigation, and resource efficiency. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72510