In a world where AI is increasingly shoved down our throats and we’re made to integrate it into every aspect of our lives where it absolutely does not belong, something has to power it. This power comes from “hyperscale” data centers. Dragon Con attendees gathered to discuss these centers in “The Fight Against Hyperscale Data Centers in 2026” at 4:30PM Fri in Hilton 313-314.

The question-and-answer panel was composed of Andrew Greenberg, who’s involved in economic development for Dekalb County and serves on the economic development board for Georgia, and James Robert Dutton, partner of Dutton & Dutton and County Commissioner of Spalding County, and moderated by Ron Daniels, a lawyer in middle Georgia.

The panel kicked off with the very important note that everyone should keep in mind always for any issue ever: GET INVOLVED AT ALLLLL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT (local, state and federal). Do a little bit of research to find out when local government meetings happen and make your voice heard (*insert unsponsored shout out by this author for HeadCount.org*). VOTE PEOPLE. VOTE VOTE VOTE.

Whew, ok. Off the pedestal and on to the panel.

To make sure everyone was aligned into what a hyperscale data center was, the panelists broke it down to “hyperscale” is like defining “tall;” you can’t have tall without short just as you can’t have the ginormous, eyesore buildings without the small operations happening inside offices.

A good majority of the panel didn’t really seem like it was about the fight against data centers as much as it was “here’s how to be ok with data centers.” Dutton, who self-described as a moderate on the subject of data centers, spent the majority of his speaking time justifying data centers speaking on the tax incentives and the resource impact not being as bad as if other businesses/warehouses were built where the data centers are. The reality that these centers are unnecessarily taking up real resources at the cost of citizen health was largely ignored in his statements.

However, this point wasn’t fully ignored. A point Dutton came back to repeatedly was “yes, but.” In the bids to build, governments can impose a ton of restrictions to either prevent data centers from being built in communities or make sure they don’t take up a ton of resources from citizens. Data centers can build BUT here’s all the rules to do so.

Some of these rules could be:

• The center can use this much water. Any more and your operation permit will be pulled.
• This much noise can be made. Any louder and we’re shutting you down.
• We know this data center has a lifespan, so you are responsible for the construction and deconstruction of the site.
• You have to build this many miles out from residential areas and natural resources.

Unfortunately, governments have no say in the gigawatts of power that are needed to keep the centers going. One attendee stated several times during the panel that there isn’t enough power to sustain these centers, full stop. Dutton and Greenburg both talked about how states were addressing that issue in “interesting” ways and building new power plants to support the power drain.

Through the panel, the data centers spoken about were all about ones being built on already planned clustered industrial lots. Before opening up the floor for questions from attendees, Daniels brought up the issue that it seemed like a lot of the room was thinking about and why the room was as full as it was – what about the effects on citizens when these centers are being built in their own back yards?

Unfortunately, whether it was due to time or just not having the answer, the question felt a little brushed off. Greenburg answered that “it’s not a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) issue”, it’s a state issue. He implied that citizens can voice their displeasure but, as far as megacorps go, that doesn’t really change anything.

 When the floor opened for questions, an attendee asked about building approvals being forced through without citizens awareness. (Not asked out loud was what about the approvals that are being forced through even with citizens voicing major opposition in town hall meetings and at votes). Again, this answer felt brushed off but came with advice that should always be screamed from the rooftops and is the biggest takeaway from the panel. Greenburg said, “Vote their asses out of office.”  Dutton replied “You have given us special authority to act on behalf of the citizens. If I abuse that, I shouldn’t just be out of office, I should be prosecuted.”

With that, back on the pedestal. HeadCount makes it easy to stay involved in what’s happening in your local communities by providing a one-stop-shop for all things voting – you can register to vote, check your voter registration, sign up for personalized text reminders for all your local voting dates and so much more.

HeadCount also has volunteer opportunities so you not only get to play an active role in keeping our democracy going right in your own community, but you also get to work super fun concerts and community events (which means free tickets!!!).

Seriously. While you’re waiting in your next 2-hour line, check out HeadCount.org (has it been said enough for you to remember?? HeadCount, HeadCount, HeadCount), make sure your voter registration is up to date, and sign up to volunteer – I hope to see you at a future show! (I promise that was unsponsored and unprompted).