OpenAI’s announcement on July 22, 2026, of Project Camellia—a massive data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia—has triggered widespread community backlash. The company secured a 25‑year agreement with Georgia Power for 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 2.4 million homes, to support a facility estimated to cost at least $20 billion and potentially exceed $30 billion at full build‑out. The deal was struck without public notice or comment, prompting residents to denounce the process as secretive and undemocratic. (techtimes.com)
At an open‑house meeting held on July 23, 2026, nearly 1,000 residents—many armed with protest signs—confronted OpenAI and local officials. Attendees voiced concerns over environmental impacts, noise, traffic, electricity costs, and the lack of transparency in the project’s rollout. Many criticized the absence of a public comment period or vote, calling the process manipulative. (ajc.com)
OpenAI has defended the project, emphasizing that residential electricity rates will not increase, as the company will cover all infrastructure and service costs under Georgia Public Service Commission rules. The company also pledged to reduce its power consumption during peak demand to protect grid reliability. (openai.com)
Despite these assurances, the backlash continues to grow. A petition to cancel the project had amassed over 7,000 signatures by the evening of the open house. Critics argue that the deal was negotiated behind closed doors starting in November 2025, with significant tax abatements and no community input. (techtimes.com)
This controversy reflects a broader national trend: data center projects are increasingly facing resistance. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, at least 75 projects worth $130 billion were delayed or blocked, with over 800 community groups opposing around 1,500 planned facilities across 49 states. (techtimes.com)
As Project Camellia moves forward, OpenAI and local officials face mounting pressure to rebuild trust. The company has signaled willingness to engage with the community, but residents remain skeptical. Whether the project proceeds smoothly or becomes a prolonged battleground may hinge on how effectively OpenAI addresses transparency and local concerns.