State Rep. Philip Ensler (D-Montgomery), the current Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, is proposing a moratorium on all data center construction in the state, citing concerns that special-interest influence is overwhelming citizens’ choices.
Data center construction has become a hot-button issue across the nation, and the controversy has reached Alabama. With the proliferation of AI-powered technologies, the infrastructure needed to house the hardware powering them has also skyrocketed.
Scheduled constructions for the centers have increased exponentially in recent months, with several planned in Alabama.
Ensler, who won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in last month’s primary election, has now made placing a moratorium on data center construction part of his campaign.
“There should be a pause on existing and future projects until we can put in place a more rigorous review process that allows for more transparency and public input,” Ensler said.
Objections to the centers are multifaceted, with concerns rising over environmental impact, energy costs, deforestation, pollution, water usage, wildlife displacement, and effects on residents’ long-term health.
In Lowndes County, a website called 45 Strong was launched in opposition to a proposed project, claiming the developer would eventually sell it to an unnamed operator.
The coalition in Lowndes County is currently making five demands before the county commission moves forward on the project:
- Public disclosure of the operator or tenant.
- A disclosure of the gallons-per-day water use with third-party verification.
- Megawatt and ratepayer-protection escrow.
- An education-tax carve-out;
- A tenant-binding community-benefits agreement that survives the sale of the asset.
“Alabamians should have a vote on whether they want to have a data center in their community, in their back yards,” Ensler continued, “I was in Lowndes County last night, and I hear from residents all over that are concerned about the impact of data centers on their utility rates and their electricity. They’re concerned about the impact on access to clean water. They worry about the impact on their land, and farming, and agriculture. And they’re worried about the impact on their overall quality of life, and what it means for their community.”
He continued, “This is not a Democrat or a Republican issue. This is about putting Alabamians first, and standing up to special, powerful interests.”
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