Georgia Today – Detailed Podcast Summary
Episode Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Peter Biello (GPB News)
Main Themes: Data center regulation in Georgia, uncertainty over Atlanta Braves TV broadcasting, aftermath of the Conyers Biolab chemical fire

Episode Overview

This episode explores three major stories impacting Georgia:

• The ongoing challenges and regulatory debates surrounding the rapid expansion of data centers in the state.
• The uncertain television future for Atlanta Braves fans after contract disputes.
• The lasting aftermath of the 2024 Biolab chemical fire in Conyers, focusing on businesses still unable to recover due to unclear contamination data.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aftermath of the Biolab Chemical Fire in Conyers (00:22–04:28)

• Lingering Impact on Local Businesses (00:22–04:06)

  • Many business owners, including Chris Lovejoy and Stephanie Donnelly, are still unable to return to their properties nearly a year and a half after the fire.
  • The main obstacle is the lack of clear information on what chemicals remain. Cleanup cannot begin without official test results, stalling business recovery.
  • Critical gaps exist in the testing done post-fire. Notably, key contaminants such as hexavalent chromium (“chromium 6”), a carcinogen, were not checked for, despite recommendations from Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division.

  Notable Quote:

  • Stephanie Donnelly on their struggle:

    "We're kind of in this state of limbo, you know, where our property is concerned that, oh, yeah, it's not that bad and we can clean it. We don't know how, but we know we can." (00:22, 01:56)

• Health Concerns and Testing Gaps (03:15–04:15)

  • Dr. Ted Schettler, Science and Environmental Health Network, highlights that long-term exposure to chromium 6 increases illness risk, and without testing, residents may never know their true exposure.
  • Contractors for Biolab assumed the chemical would convert into a non-toxic form, so didn't test for it, contrary to official advice.

  Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Ted Schettler:

    "If you find elevated levels of chromium 6, you can take mitigation measures. People will have already been exposed to some extent in the aftermath of the fire, but what you want to do is avoid ongoing exposures because long term exposure is associated with more illness." (03:15–03:32)

  • Stephanie Donnelly voices a need for health guidance for affected residents.

  Memorable Moment:

  • Frustration from the business owners about the lack of clarity, both for their business and potential health risks.

    "If we could find somebody that could say, hey, maybe you need to have yourself checked for this, this, this, this and this, then that would be something good to provide to the community, I think." (04:06)

2. Regulation of Data Centers in Georgia (05:24–07:57)

• Bipartisan Push for Accountability & Transparency (05:24–06:49)

  • Georgia is a leading market for data centers, but their rapid growth has prompted legislative calls for stricter regulation.

  • Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R) sponsors a bill requiring data centers to bear the full cost of their electricity rather than shifting costs to consumers.
    Quote:

    "Too often those things are hidden behind trade secrets so that you don't really know who's paying for them. But it's important that we codify into law that they pay all their costs." (06:22)

  • Representative Debbie Buckner (D) pushes for clear information especially about water and electricity use, especially in the rural communities where these centers often locate:

    "If you're going to come be a neighbor of ours, we want to be a good neighbor of yours. And we want to know how many gallons of water a day, how many megawatts." (06:41)

• Forsyth's Major Data Center Rezoning (07:09–07:57)

  • The Forsyth City Council approved rezoning for a 1600-acre data center, after public comment both supporting (potential property tax relief) and opposing (concerns over water use and community impact).
  • Developers estimate the facility will use nearly half of Forsyth’s daily permitted water.

  Memorable Community Quotes:

  • Support, from George McCandless:

    "This project presents a rare opportunity to change that equation..." (07:09)

  • Opposition, from Michael Griffin:

    "What you're doing is, is just taking money. They're bribing you. That's what you're trading here. You're trading people's lives." (07:09)

3. Uncertain Future for Atlanta Braves TV Broadcasts (11:24–12:29)

• Broadcast Rights Dispute (11:24–12:20)

  • The Braves are one of nine MLB teams ending contracts with Main Street Sports Group (FanDuel Sports Network) due to missed payments.
  • Six teams have agreed to have Major League Baseball produce and distribute local TV broadcasts in 2026, but the Braves haven’t yet clarified their plans.
  • Some speculate the Braves may launch their own network, as the Texas Rangers have done.
  • The club promises they will be ready to broadcast throughout the Southeast and will announce details soon.

  Summary of Braves’ Statement:

  • "[The Braves] are well on their way toward launching a new era in Braves broadcasting. What that means is an open question... The team will be ready to broadcast games throughout the Southeast and will announce plans in the coming weeks." (12:13)

Additional Noteworthy Segments

• Legislative Updates:

  • Senate bill proposes mandatory property tax homestead exemption statewide (04:28–05:24).
  • Data center regulation bills continue moving through legislature; local impact debated in Forsyth (05:24–07:57).
  • Bill for student loan forgiveness for optometrists in rural/underserved areas passes the Georgia House. (08:42–09:20)
  • Lawmakers discuss increasing Georgia’s low tobacco tax to boost health funding (09:20–10:09).

• Culture and Community:

  • Columbus Film Office expands grant program for local filmmakers (10:09–10:52).
  • Georgia House subcommittee advances bill to ban cellphones in high schools. (10:52–11:01)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Conyers Chemical Fire:
  • "It sits directly across the street from Biolab's chemical plant." (01:07)
  • "Sixteen months later, and nothing is any better." (01:32)
• On Data Centers Impact:
  • "Since 2018, my property taxes have gone up 49%. That is more than double the rate of inflation." (07:09)
• On Braves Broadcast Uncertainty:
  • "The Braves are well on their way toward launching a new era in Braves broadcasting." (12:13)

Tone and Style

• Straightforward, informative, grounded in local voices and expert opinions.
• The reporting amplifies affected citizens' and community leaders' voices, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and public concern.
• The mood is urgent, particularly around unresolved issues like the Conyers fire aftermath and the future of Braves broadcasts.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode offers unique insight into how statewide policy and local events intersect to affect everyday Georgians, from business owners waiting for answers on hazardous contamination to rural communities grappling with the impact of major tech infrastructure projects. It’s essential listening for anyone interested in how legislative and corporate decisions ripple through lives, health, and communities across Georgia.