Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
Good morning! There’s more news today on Westwin, the nickel refinery with its eye on Richmond Hill. In McIntosh County, we’re tracking a new proposal for Hogg Hummock zoning. And all along the coast, there’s a good news/bad news situation for an iconic bird species. Finally, we have an analysis of data center energy demands that suggests they may not need so much electricity after all.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
NEWS: COMMUNITY
Westwin talks terminated
The Development Authority of Bryan County voted Tuesday to end negotiations with Westwin Elements about their plans to build America’s only nickel refinery in Richmond Hill, The Current GA‘s Margaret Coker reports. The move means that Westwin will not receive subsidized financing for the construction of the refinery, but the company remains committed to purchasing the $35 million abandoned industrial property. Westwin hopes to create 800 jobs with an average salary of $90,000 per year, but the project has faced widespread community backlash over concerns about the risks it could cause to the environment, public health, and home values.
NEWS: COMMUNITY
McIntosh County residents voted last month to repeal a 2023 zoning amendment allowing larger houses on the Sapelo Island neighborhood of Hogg Hummock. Now, a proposal for a replacement zoning ordinance has been submitted to the county commission by some members of the Gullah Geechee community, as The Current GA‘s Mary Landers reports. The proposal suggests limiting house size to 1,400 square feet and height to 18 feet, similar to restrictions in place before the 2023 amendment.
Meanwhile, a civil rights lawsuit related to the rezoning could become active again, despite residents’ and officials’ weariness over the more than half a million dollars already spent on legal fees. A joint status report filed by both sides Friday asked for the litigation to restart.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Wood stork off list
Wood storks have become an increasingly common sight in Coastal Georgia this century. Earlier this week, the US Fish and Wildlife Service removed these large wading birds — the only stork species native to North America — from the endangered species list citing their increased numbers, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports. But environmental advocates warn that removing protection is premature and could put the birds at risk.
EXPLAINER: ENVIRONMENT
A recent study by Greenlink Analytics found that data centers in the Southeast may need dramatically less energy than previously predicted, which could have significant implications for energy bills and the environment, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports. The report also found that electric utilities across the region are planning for the high end of data center growth, creating a risk that utilities will build more infrastructure than needed, and regular customers will likely end up paying those costs. The study suggests that much of the data center demand could be met without building new infrastructure, through improving efficiency among utilities nationwide and through flexibility by the data centers themselves.
Also noted:
Clark Alexander, director of the University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, offers a free lecture on “The Past, Present and Future of Coastal Georgia Marshes” at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at SkIO Library Auditorium, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m.
Chatham County is hosting an Energy Plan virtual meeting for community residents and neighborhoods at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Join the Teams call via this link. The plan will help develop a roadmap for reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy, and advancing clean energy initiatives across the county. Can’t make it? Take a survey here: Energy Plan Public Survey.
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Bryan County development authority ends negotiations with Westwin
Amid widespread community opposition to the project, the Development Authority of Bryan County voted to end negotiations with Westwin Elements about their plans to build a nickel refinery in Richmond Hill.
Pressure mounts on McIntosh County to resolve Hogg Hummock zoning
McIntosh County Commissioners have received a zoning proposal from the Hogg Hummock community to limit house size and height, while a civil rights lawsuit related to the rezoning could be reactivated soon.
Wood storks removed from endangered species list
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has removed the wood stork from the endangered species list due to its increased numbers, but environmental advocates warn that this is a premature decision that could put the birds at risk.
Utilities in the Southeast may be overestimating the AI boom
Data centers in the Southeast may need less energy than predicted, potentially saving ratepayers money and reducing fossil fuel emissions, but utilities are planning for the high end of data center growth, which could result in customers paying for unnecessary infrastructure.
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