During Thursday's episode of WVNN's "The Yaffee Program," State Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville), the chairman of the House General Fund Budget Committee, expressed skepticism regarding a potential statewide moratorium on data centers, but said North Alabama's two major facilities are likely enough for the area.
"It's a huge strain. Of course, that's a TVA direct utility, but it still puts a huge strain on our available power for recruiting industries," Reynolds explained. "So we look at that, compare that to the number of jobs it brings, and make those decisions going forward."
He continued, "We’re seeing that play out in other communities. I think each community has to make that decision, based on other jobs and other industries that they're recruiting, and make the best decision for what fits their geographic area."
The lawmaker noted that portions of the Yellowhammer State could benefit from data centers through job growth and tax revenue, making a statewide moratorium possibly harmful for communities in need of an economic stimulus.
"There are parts of Alabama that would welcome a data center. They would welcome the jobs and sell that energy in that area," argued Reynolds. "I think a statewide moratorium on that would probably not be the right direction to go."
"But let them do it. Let them decide just like we do any economic development deal in Alabama," he added.
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