Adapted from Commissioner Terry’s July 16, 2026 e-newsletter.
During the Board of Commissioners meeting on July 14, the Board voted in favor of deferring my resolution calling for an independent Health & Environmental Study. The item will now be brought to the Planning, Economic Development & Community Services committee on August 11 before returning to the Board of Commissioners meeting on August 28.
This is a step in the right direction. Though questions remain about how much the study will cost and how it will be funded, which entity might complete the research, and how long it will take to get results, this outcome indicates that my fellow Commissioners understand and see the value in thorough, impartial research to protect our residents before any data centers come to DeKalb County.
The results of this vote also ensure that our current Data Center Moratorium, set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on March 30, 2027, will remain in place until the study is completed.
Throughout the Board of Commissioner meeting public comment and my Data Center Town Hall that preceded it, I heard the same message time and again: protect our people, our environment, and our futures.
Issues surrounding the potential heat island effect, disruptions and strain to our existing power and water infrastructure, decreased property values, negative impacts on our quality of life, and the pollution that goes hand-in-hand with data centers continue to be front of mind for DeKalb residents.
Details of this resolution:
Agenda Item 2026-0244: Outlines the need for a comprehensive, independent, and impartial review of the possible impacts to health, socio-economic, and environmental factors in DeKalb County. The item also predicates that the study must be completed and reviewed by the Board of Commissioners prior to the moratorium being lifted.
Some insights from our Data Center Town Hall:
- I shared my opinion that no data center should be built unless it’s using renewable energy.
- While our Town Hall was about preventing harm from data centers, I shared my hope that our community can come together not just to stop things, but also to build a better future.
- I reminded the crowd that we are all in it together; we are here to support each other, to build community, and to be proud that we are DeKalb County residents.
- Want to hear more? View the full video from our Town Hall event on Instagram.
I am thankful that my fellow Commissioners agree that we should follow proper protocol and ensure that no data center can be built without adequate regulations, enforcement, public input, and a research-based approach that protects our constituents.
As always, I remain committed to transparency and ensuring our regulations are strong to protect our communities and environment. I will keep you updated as this topic evolves.
Ted