Georgia Today – November 24, 2025

Host: Orlando Montoya (GPB News)
Main Topics: Data center growth and pollution concerns, potential nuclear reactor at Fort Benning, federal THC ban impact on Georgia

Episode Overview

This episode of Georgia Today delves into three major news topics affecting Georgia residents:

• Community concerns about pollution and resource usage from the rapid expansion of data centers,
• The possibility of Fort Benning becoming one of the first military bases in the country to house a nuclear microreactor,
• The anticipated effects of a new federal THC ban on Georgia’s hemp industry and consumers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Data Center Growth and Pollution in Georgia

[00:30 – 02:21]

• The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has enacted new rules that now require large data centers (500,000 sq ft+ outside Atlanta) to undergo state review as a Development of Regional Impact.
• This change ensures local communities, especially marginalized ones, can provide input before construction begins.
• Data centers are highly resource-intensive, using significant electricity and water.
• Clean air advocates are warning of public health risks, particularly for communities of color in metro Atlanta and South DeKalb.

Notable Insight:
Kaia Stanford (Moms Clean Air Force):

"If you look at the demographics of these regions, they have in common that they're primarily communities of color, and that's intentional, she says."
[01:51]

• Data center energy demand is already substantial, representing over 4% of U.S. electricity consumption.

Public Service Commission’s Position:

• Professional staff reports at the Georgia Public Service Commission challenge Georgia Power’s projections, arguing the utility is overestimating future power needs due to data centers.
• Consumers could see rate hikes (up to $20/month increase) if Georgia Power builds unneeded generation capacity.

2. Nuclear Microreactor Proposed for Fort Benning

[02:21 – 03:54]

• Fort Benning, near Columbus, is a finalist—one of nine potential sites—for the U.S. Army's pilot nuclear microreactor.
• The project is part of an initiative (started by a Trump-era executive order) to provide off-grid, resilient power to military bases and drive nuclear tech innovation.
• Details on how many bases will ultimately be chosen and when remain undecided.

3. Federal THC Ban and the Georgia Hemp Industry

[03:54 – 04:43]

• Recent federal legislation to reopen the government includes a ban on most hemp-derived THC products (Delta-8, infused drinks, gummies, and synthetic THC).
• This could significantly impact Georgia businesses and consumers who rely on hemp products for relief.
• The ban is set to take effect in about a year unless Congress or the Georgia Legislature intervenes.

Business Perspective:
Joe Salome (Georgia Hemp Company):

"There's going to be a huge vacuum of individuals that can't find their relief."
[00:25 & 04:21]

• The industry is already observing a rush of consumers stocking up ahead of the impending ban.
• Proponents of the THC restriction argue current products are not well-regulated for safety.

4. Brief News Round-up

[04:43 – 05:58]

• Passing of H. Rap Brown / Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin:
  • The famed 1960s militant turned Atlanta imam has died at age 82 in federal custody.
• Jekyll Island Bobcat Attack:
  • A woman was bitten by a rabid bobcat at a mini golf course; bystander Kaylee O’Keefe described a chaotic scene:

    "There was a lot of screaming. I think a lot of the people on like the playground area didn't really know what was happening. There was just a bunch of people screaming that there was a bobcat..."
    [05:41]

• Atlanta Falcons:
  • Ended a losing streak with a 24-10 win at New Orleans, though playoff prospects remain slim.

Notable Quotes

• Kaia Stanford (Moms Clean Air Force):

  "If you look at the demographics of these regions, they have in common that they're primarily communities of color, and that's intentional, she says."
  [01:51]

• Joe Salome (Georgia Hemp Company):

  "There's going to be a huge vacuum of individuals that can't find their relief."
  [00:25, 04:21]

• Kaylee O’Keefe (Jekyll Island bystander):

  "There was a lot of screaming. I think a lot of the people on like the playground area didn't really know what was happening. There was just a bunch of people screaming that there was a bobcat..."
  [05:41]

Important Timestamps

• 00:30 – Data center project rules and community input process
• 01:36 – Clean air advocates on data center health risks; equity concerns
• 02:21 – Debates over Georgia Power’s energy forecasts, possible rate hikes
• 02:54 – Fort Benning’s selection as nuclear microreactor site candidate
• 03:54 – Federal THC ban details; impact on hemp businesses and users
• 04:43 – Passing of H. Rap Brown/Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin
• 05:41 – Jekyll Island bobcat attack witness account
• 06:18 – Summary of Atlanta Falcons’ game outcome

Tone and Language

The episode maintains GPB’s signature informative, straightforward style—balancing direct news delivery with quotes from affected individuals, advocates, and business owners. Community perspectives are foregrounded, especially for environmental, regulatory, and health impacts.

For more Georgia news, visit gpb.org/news.