The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Stephens County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Stephens County’s enacted moratorium temporarily blocks new data-center land-use applications, delaying proposed projects and expansions but not banning existing operations. The descriptions conflict on its end date, so its full duration is unclear.
Rating from Georgia statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Stephens County.
Specific to Stephens County only.
current law · County measureProhibits Stephens County from accepting land-use applications for data centers while the moratorium remains in effect.Stephens County Board of Commissioners Resolution Establishing Data Center Land-Use Application Moratorium (2026)
What this means
The county approved a moratorium barring acceptance of land-use applications for data centers, which would prevent new projects from moving through that application process while it is in effect. The sources give no end date, and the proposed data-center ordinance was postponed, so they show a substantial development delay but no offsetting benefit.
Timing
The sources identify a moratorium barring acceptance of land-use applications for data centers, but do not state an expiration date, ending condition, or extension provision.
People behind it
- Stephens County Board of Commissioners
Governing body that adopted the data-center moratorium and considered the related land-use ordinance.
- Tara Simmons
Introduced the motion to approve the data-center moratorium and later moved to postpone adoption of the data-center ordinance.
- Craig Oglesby
Seconded the motion to approve the data-center moratorium.
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- Chuck Wright
Seconded the motion to postpone adoption of the data-center ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A moratorium bars Stephens County from accepting land-use applications for data centers. The Board did not lift the moratorium on May 12, 2026 because no motion was made, so it remained in effect; no expiration date is stated.
Sources
current law · County measureProhibits Stephens County from accepting land-use applications for data centers during the moratorium.Stephens County Board of Commissioners Resolution Extending Data Center Land-Use Application Moratorium (October 2026)
What this means
The proposed measure would stop the county from accepting land-use applications for data centers, creating a significant barrier to new projects and expansions. The source does not say how long the moratorium would last, so its full impact is unclear; it mentions no offsetting benefits.
Timing
The April 14, 2026 minutes approve a resolution for a moratorium barring acceptance of land-use applications for data centers, but do not state an expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Commissioner Tara Simmons
Moved to approve the resolution establishing a moratorium on accepting land-use applications for data centers.
- Vice-Chairman Craig Oglesby
Seconded the motion to approve the data-center land-use application moratorium resolution.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A resolution establishes a moratorium barring the acceptance of land-use applications for data centers. Resolution for a moratorium barring the acceptance of land use applications for data centers
Sources
current law · County measureProhibits Stephens County from accepting land-use applications for data centers until October 14, 2026, while the county develops a data center ordinance.Stephens County Board of Commissioners Resolution Extending Data Center Land-Use Application Moratorium (May 2026)
What this means
The moratorium blocks new data-center land-use applications until October 14, delaying development while the county works on an ordinance (extended the moratorium on data centers until October 14). It does not ban existing operations, but the temporary halt is a major barrier to building or expanding during that period.
Timing
- Ends
- Oct 14, 2026
The moratorium barring acceptance of land-use applications for data centers was extended until October 14, 2026, to allow more time to develop the data-center ordinance.
People behind it
- Commissioner Tara Simmons
Introduced and moved approval of the resolution establishing the moratorium on accepting land-use applications for data centers.
- Vice-Chairman Craig Oglesby
Seconded the motion to approve the data-center moratorium resolution.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A moratorium bars Stephens County from accepting land-use applications for data centers. It was extended from July 14 through October 14, 2026, while the county develops a data-center ordinance.
Sources
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