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Rockdale County imposes 180‑day moratorium on new data centers and battery storage projects
Summary
The board adopted a 180‑day moratorium to study cumulative impacts of data centers and battery energy storage systems, including energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, noise, visual impacts, heat discharge and decommissioning responsibilities.
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 13 to enact a 180‑day moratorium on the acceptance, processing and approval of applications for new or expanded data centers and battery energy storage systems.
Deputy Director (Planning and Development) described the moratorium as a pause to "study and evaluate the cumulative impacts of the data centers and the battery energy storage systems, including, but not limited to, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, noise pollution, visual impacts, along with heat discharge, public safety and welfare, resiliency, and the compatibility to what the surrounding land uses." The planning staff framed the action as time to update policies and infrastructure standards and to require decommissioning plans and exit provisions.
Commissioners expressed support for the moratorium and for studying issues such as decommissioning and long‑term infrastructure obligations. Planning staff noted that two projects already in the rezoning pipeline are not affected because they have vested intent.
The board approved the resolution by voice vote. Planning staff said the moratorium will give them time to draft updated development standards and consider long‑term impacts before new approvals resume.
