DeKalb County commissioners discussed an independent study of data center impacts Tuesday, Oct. 6, moving the proposal toward consideration at their next full board meeting.

Commissioners took no vote during the Committee of the Whole meeting at Dunwoody City Hall, according to FOX 5 Atlanta’s report. The proposed study would examine health and environmental concerns associated with large data center developments.

Commissioner Ted Terry, who represents Super District 6, sponsors Resolution 2026-0244. The measure has been under consideration since January.

Study proposal predates October meeting

The county’s June committee agenda described the resolution as requiring an assessment of DeKalb’s health, socioeconomic and environmental conditions, along with an outside analysis of proposed data center regulations, before issuing land-disturbance permits.

FOX 5 described the Oct. 6 proposal as requiring a study before commissioners consider lifting the development moratorium. The final resolution would establish the requirement.

The June agenda also included a separate proposal to allocate up to $15,000 to Science for Georgia for assessment and analysis work. The Oct. 6 reporting did not establish whether commissioners had approved that funding or finalized an agreement with a study provider.

Moratorium remains in place

The county’s pause on new data center development applications runs through March 30, 2027, unless extended again, according to Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s July update. Commissioners approved that extension July 7.

At the Oct. 6 discussion, Terry advocated limits on development size, renewable-energy requirements, a ban on diesel generators and buffers around neighborhoods, FOX 5 reported. Those proposals have not been established as adopted requirements in the cited reporting.

Residents also raised concerns. Gina Mangham discussed health, quality of life and noise, while Rosalind McIntyre questioned potential heat-island effects and air pollution.

Next board meeting scheduled Oct. 13

The DeKalb County meeting calendar lists the next regular Board of Commissioners meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m. at 178 Sam’s Street in Decatur.

FOX 5 reported that commissioners intended to place the study proposal on that meeting’s agenda. Residents can check the county’s Legistar portal for the final agenda and supporting documents.