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.
Thomas County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Thomas County has enacted a 12-month pause on permits for new data centers and related facilities while it prepares regulations; the county board could extend it. Existing operations are not banned by the measure.
Rating from Georgia statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Thomas County.
Specific to Thomas County only.
current law · County measurePauses permitting for data centers and related information-technology facilities in Thomas County for 12 months while the county develops regulations.Thomas County 12-month data center permitting moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause permits for new data centers and related information technology facilities for 12 months while the county prepares regulations, making new construction or expansion that needs permits substantially harder during that period (12-month moratorium on permitting). It does not itself ban existing data center operations, but the board could extend the pause.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months after January 20, 2026
The Board reserves the right to extend the moratorium before its expiration by resolution or other official action.
People behind it
- Donnie Baggett
Commissioner who made the motion to institute the 12-month moratorium.
- Philip V. Brown
Commissioner who seconded the motion to institute the 12-month moratorium.
- Thomas County Board of Commissioners
Governing body that unanimously approved and instituted the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A 12-month moratorium prohibits permitting data centers and related information technology facilities in Thomas County while the county prepares ordinance standards; the Board of Commissioners may extend the moratorium before it expires by resolution or other official action. 12-month moratorium
Sources
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