On Thursday, Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia told Fox Business that data center operators communicate poorly with the public and should improve. He still viewed the facilities as having worth.

As a former mayor, Carter said developers must partner with community and utility officials in advance of any public announcement to prevent higher energy bills for residents. Georgia regulators already mandate that the centers pay for any needed grid upgrades.

Carter also called for confirming sufficient water and for locating the projects away from productive farmland and existing neighborhoods.