local
Advocacy groups say Covington data center, power plant are building without proper permits
By Patrick Quinn at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Advocacy groups are urging Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to stop construction on a data center and an adjacent power plant in Covington, alleging the facilities are being built without required environmental permits.Sustainable Newton and th...
Key takeaway There are children, there are seniors,” said Nancy Schulz with Sustainable Newton.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The controversy surrounding the Covington data center and power plant has significant implications for Atlanta's environmental landscape. As the city continues to grow and attract new businesses, the need for responsible development practices becomes increasingly important. The allegations of construction without proper permits raise concerns about the potential impact on air quality and public health, particularly for families and vulnerable populations living in close proximity to the facilities. The fact that the power plant plans to produce 90 megawatts of power, enough to run roughly 90,000 homes, underscores the scale of the project and the potential consequences of non-compliance with environmental regulations. As the Georgia Environmental Protection Division investigates these claims, Atlantans should pay close attention to the outcome, as it will set a precedent for future development projects in the region and influence the city's ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Advocacy groups are urging Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to stop construction on a data center and an adjacent power plant in Covington, alleging the facilities are being built without required environmental permits.Sustainable Newton and th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Patrick Quinn at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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