Archive

State Sen. Arthur Orr says Alabama needs data centers but advocates for a measured approach, citing concerns about rising electricity rates and potential conflicts with other economic development projects. Several cities have implemented temporary moratoriums while the debate continues statewide.

Data centers Archives - Yellowhammer News · Morgan Co., AL

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

A 50-year-old Bessemer man was struck by a vehicle on Pocahontas Road early July 31 and died hours later at UAB Hospital. The driver remained at the scene and called authorities.

WBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

National polling shows 43% of registered voters believe the U.S. has too many AI data centers, up from 35% in January, while 23% remain unsure and others are open to development. A separate Alabama survey found similar division, with 37% of likely Republican primary voters viewing data centers as bringing mixed benefits and drawbacks.

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Data centers have become a central issue in Alabama elections amid public health and transparency concerns. Large artificial intelligence facilities like Project Marvel in Bessemer raise worries about noise, traffic, light pollution, water usage, and diesel generator emissions, while non-disclosure agreements have limited community access to project information.

Alabama Reflector · Alabama · also at rocketcitynow.com

Lakeland city commissioners voted 4-3 Monday to approve a one-year moratorium on data center development, following opposition to a planned 600,000-square-foot facility near Old Tampa Highway that would consume up to 100 megawatts of power. Critics cite concerns about energy demands, water consumption, and noise, while supporters view data centers as economically beneficial.

Spectrum Bay News 9 · Polk Co., FL

Lakeland's City Commission voted 4-3 to impose a one-year moratorium on development of large-scale data centers requiring 50 megawatts or more of power, with supporters citing the need to study impacts and establish safeguards while opponents argued the language was too broad.

Tampa Bay 28 · Polk Co., FL

Headline onlyLakeland Ledger · Florida

Florida gubernatorial candidate Frank J. Russo announced a Data Center & AI Infrastructure Initiative designed to position Florida as a leader in artificial intelligence while protecting the state's water resources, electric grid, agriculture, and communities. Russo plans to host a community roundtable later this month with technology leaders, utilities, farmers, and environmental experts to shape future policy recommendations.

PR Newswire · Florida

Edgewater city commissioners will decide Monday whether to place a permanent data center ban on the November ballot for voter approval. The proposal would prohibit data center construction, expansion, and operation within city limits, unlike a temporary moratorium.

WKMG · Volusia Co., FL · also at WKMG

Headline onlyTreasure Coast News · Florida

Paulding County, Georgia officials voted Tuesday to halt new data center projects until January 1, 2027, while the county revises development standards following months of resident opposition over neighborhood-scale facilities and concerns about electricity costs, noise, and environmental impacts.

The Cool Down · Paulding Co., GA

Warner Robins is using a six-month moratorium on data center applications to study potential impacts on water, utilities, zoning and property values. The city will solicit community input at upcoming council meetings before determining whether data centers fit the community's character.

41NBC News · Houston Co., GA

Georgia Democrats seek to gain control of the state's Public Service Commission by capitalizing on public discontent with electricity rate increases and rapid data center expansion, hoping to win a third seat in the November election. The commission oversees utility rates, and environmental groups are investigating allegations that a data center developer began construction on a natural gas power plant before obtaining required air permits.

Washington Examiner · Georgia

Georgia Power is facing mounting pressure as rapid data center expansion emerges as the state's biggest energy challenge, surpassing previous nuclear plant debates due to the massive electricity demands and concerns about environmental impact, regulation, and costs borne by ratepayers.

WABE · Georgia

Headline onlySavannah Morning News · Chatham Co., GA

The Rome News-Tribune · Floyd Co., GA

The Rome News-Tribune · Georgia

Entergy Louisiana says Meta will fund all power infrastructure costs for its Richland Parish data center, an agreement the utility claims will save statewide customers more than $2.65 billion over 20 years through lower rates and reduced grid costs.

96.5 KPEL · Richland Parish, LA

Smith-Midland Corporation, a Fauquier-based precast concrete manufacturer, won a $1.7 million contract to produce and deliver utility vaults for a data center project in northern Louisiana, with deliveries continuing through year-end.

FauquierNow · Louisiana

SpaceXAI is removing 69 gas-powered turbines from its data center facility in Southhaven, Mississippi, following an agreed order with the state's Department of Environmental Quality that establishes a timeline for their removal.

Broadband Breakfast · Mississippi

Metro Council is scheduled for a final vote Tuesday on Mayor Freddie O'Connell's proposal to use eminent domain to acquire a property where DC Blox plans to build a data center adjacent to the Nashville Zoo. The company closed a $23 million purchase of the site and applied for a building permit despite Metro's legislative efforts to stop the project.

Axios · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Tennessean · Tennessee · also at tennessean.com

SpaceX said it will replace portable gas turbines powering its data centers near Memphis, Tennessee, with a natural gas power plant by July 2027, after facing criticism over unpermitted emissions. The company currently operates 69 portable turbines that locals and environmental groups say emit harmful pollutants and have been linked to respiratory problems.

Futurism · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Tennessean · Sumner Co., TN

Dothan Eagle

Alabama Public Service Commission candidates are debating whether the current "lame duck" commissioners should decide data center power contract rules as the three-member commission prepares for major restructuring. Republican candidate Jim Zeigler and Democrat Shelia McNair argue the two commissioners who lost their primaries should not make long-term decisions, while Democrat James Gordon contends the commission can still gather public input before the PSC expands to seven members in January.

al.com · Alabama

DeSoto County, Florida, commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, but the rules exempt a controversial project by DCIP Group that secured earlier rezoning approval for an initial 34 acres and requested rezoning for more than 800 additional acres as part of a roughly 1,300-acre long-term vision.

Yahoo · Florida

OpenAI's $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia was kept confidential through nondisclosure agreements with county officials until its July 22 announcement, according to a review of public records and interviews. The 1,400-acre project will require 3.2 gigawatts of power and employ at least 400 workers at an average wage of $80,000, with construction planned to begin in early 2027.

AJC.com · Chatham Co., GA

Albany, Georgia commissioners voted unanimously July 28 to impose a 12-month moratorium on new data center development while the city develops regulations and hires an outside consultant to examine best practices for the projects.

The Cool Down · Georgia

Gov. Jeff Landry has signed and required staff to sign nondisclosure agreements that restrict discussion of economic development deals and administration workings, while telling the New York Times that transparency is misused to "kill deals." Several state legislators have recently requested release from these NDAs, citing their obligation to share information with constituents.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Richland Parish, LA

Country music legend Willie Nelson opposes data centers coming to his hometown of Abbott, Texas, calling them "loud, water-thieving, light-polluting" threats to rural communities and farmland. Fellow musician Brad Paisley has similarly opposed a proposed data center near Nashville's zoo, citing environmental and aesthetic concerns.

WSMV · Tennessee

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Tennessee

Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson has become a prominent voice opposing data centers in his Memphis neighborhood, including xAI's Colossus facilities. Environmental groups estimate the turbines powering the data centers could emit more than 2,500 tons of smog-forming pollution annually into an area already leading Tennessee in asthma-related emergency room visits.

Politico · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Tuscaloosa News · Tuscaloosa Co., AL · also at Montgomery Advertiser

Headline onlymynbc15.com · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has proposed House Resolution 9777, which would require hyperscale AI data centers to supply their own electricity and water instead of drawing from public utilities, aimed at preventing rising power costs from being passed to residential and commercial customers. The proposal goes further than the Trump administration's voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge, making the requirement mandatory.

The Cool Down · Florida

tampabay.com · Hillsborough Co., FL · also at The Derrick

NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA

Lagniappe Daily · Mississippi

SpaceX has agreed to remove 69 temporary gas turbines at its Southaven, Mississippi power facility supporting the Colossus AI data center complex by July 2027, beginning as early as August as a permanent 1.2-gigawatt natural-gas power plant comes online.

Gizmodo · Shelby Co., TN

A mechanical contractor says SpaceXAI owes his Ohio-based company more than $136 million for work performed at Memphis-area data centers since 2024. Multiple contractors have filed liens against SpaceXAI for unpaid construction work, with additional liens expected to be filed in Mississippi.

Action News 5 · Shelby Co., TN

Tennessee enacted a law requiring data centers with power demands of at least 50 megawatts to pay for grid upgrades, but a carveout allows on-site gas-powered generation without state or local review, raising environmental and noise concerns for nearby communities.

The Cool Down · Tennessee

The Trump administration announced a $100 billion privately funded artificial intelligence data center campus at Kentucky's former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a Cold War-era uranium enrichment facility. The project is expected to create approximately 8,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs, with Brookfield Asset Management developing the campus and NextEra Energy building power infrastructure.

WBMA · Tennessee · also at mynbc15.com

Headline onlyWAFF · also at WSFA, WSFA, WTVY

About 100 residents attended a community forum Thursday at Wallace Community College in Demopolis to learn about potential environmental, infrastructure and community impacts of large-scale data centers, as proposals emerge across Alabama's Black Belt region.

Black Belt News Network · Marengo Co., AL · also at Black Belt News Network

Yellowhammer News · Madison Co., AL

Black Belt News Network · Lowndes Co., AL · also at Alabama Political Reporter

Former Sen. Doug Jones, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, held a town hall in Huntsville addressing healthcare, data centers, and education. Jones emphasized expanding Medicaid to bring revenue and support rural hospitals, and highlighted a housing affordability bill as key to keeping young people in the area.

Axios · Madison Co., AL

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell opposes a proposed $1.5 billion data center in Lowndes County, citing concerns about water infrastructure strain, environmental impacts demonstrated in similar projects elsewhere, and the disproportionate burden on a historically disadvantaged majority-Black community. Sewell states the project demands greater scrutiny before residents face consequences they did not choose.

AL.com · Lowndes Co., AL

About 50 residents in Mobile County, Alabama attended a Monday community meeting to question local leaders about a proposed $6 billion data center project, expressing concerns about limited public input and potential impacts including increased traffic, infrastructure strain, and resource consumption.

thecooldown.com · Mobile Co., AL · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyWKRG · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyBlack Belt News Network · Marengo Co., AL

Prichard City Council's vote on a 480-day moratorium for data center projects was derailed Thursday when an unnamed entity submitted a data center application, requiring the council to hold a public hearing before the moratorium can proceed. A public hearing was scheduled for August 13.

Lagniappe Daily · Mobile Co., AL · also at lagniappemobile.com

Headline onlyRTO Insider · Alabama

Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with a moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about energy and water use. The county will conduct research and hold public hearings to finalize the temporary ban, which officials said should last at least one year.

Miami Herald · Miami-Dade Co., FL

Four journalists covering Florida's data center expansion will discuss the issue at a free public forum Aug. 11 in Venice, hosted by Suncoast Searchlight and Seeking Rents. The panel will address the industry's rapid growth across the state and local communities' concerns about environmental impacts and electricity demand.

sarasotamagazine.com · Florida

A Google data center coming to Columbia County, Georgia will be one of the largest in the United States at 8 million square feet, according to county officials. The project was approved after environmental restrictions were imposed, though some nearby residents expressed concerns about health risks and property values.

WSB-TV · Georgia

Headline onlyAJC.com · Georgia

A Georgia data center developer hired a company to build a natural gas power plant on-site to avoid grid connection delays, but construction began before securing required environmental permits, prompting state regulators to issue violations and environmental groups to call for enforcement action.

insideclimatenews.org · Georgia

More than 500 people attended an OpenAI open house in Rincon, Georgia on July 23, while hundreds protested outside against the company's proposed 1,400-acre, $20 billion artificial intelligence data center. Residents raised concerns about water consumption, noise, and the project's size, with some questioning the lack of advance notice, while supporters said the development could bring economic benefits to the area.

Yahoo · Chatham Co., GA

Headline onlyLocal 3 News · Walker Co. (GA), GA

The Paulding County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on data centers during a July 28 meeting, effective until January 1, 2027, to allow time for updating development codes. The decision followed weeks of community opposition to four technology park overlay districts that residents said were established through code amendments rather than standard rezoning procedures.

FOX 5 Atlanta · Paulding Co., GA

Headline onlyajc.com · Fulton Co., GA

Headline onlyKTVE – myarklamiss.com – Your ArkLaMiss News Source · Louisiana · also at KTVE – myarklamiss.com – Your ArkLaMiss News Source

American Electric Power, SWEPCO's parent company, projects significant power demand growth driven primarily by data centers, with two Amazon Web Services facilities already announced in SWEPCO's northwest Louisiana service area and a potential third planned for west Shreveport. AEP anticipates 69 gigawatts of load growth through 2030, with Louisiana currently projected to need one gigawatt, though power requirements for the announced AWS data centers have not yet been disclosed to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Caddo Parish, LA

xAI is building a fourth data center called "Minihard" near its existing Memphis-area facilities, while SpaceXAI plans to remove 69 turbines from its Southaven site and replace them with a permanent 1.2-gigawatt power plant featuring 41 turbines, with removal beginning in August and completing by July 2027.

Action News 5 · DeSoto Co., MS · also at Action News 5, WTOK

Meridian Community College and Compass Datacenters launched Mississippi's first data center workforce training program, a 14-week course offering hands-on instruction in mechanical, electrical and information technology systems. The fully-funded program for 12 inaugural students beginning this fall requires no prior experience and could lead to careers paying 30 to 50 percent above local median wages.

WTOK · Lauderdale Co., MS · also at WTOK, WTOK

Mississippi's environmental agency announced a retirement schedule for 69 temporary gas turbines powering xAI's Southaven data centers, beginning Aug. 18, while allowing 13 units to run past their original 12-month deadline—up to five months longer due to supply chain delays affecting permanent turbine installation.

DeSoto County News · DeSoto Co., MS

SpaceX agreed to remove 69 temporary gas turbines powering an xAI data center in Southaven, Mississippi by July 2027 under an order with state environmental regulators, replacing them with a permanent 1.2 gigawatt power plant authorized under a Clean Air Act permit.

qz.com · DeSoto Co., MS

SpaceXAI announced it will remove 69 temporary turbines powering its $20 billion DeSoto County data center between August and July 2027, following an agreement with Mississippi's environmental agency. The company is installing sound walls and advanced quieting technology while constructing a permanent 1.2 GW power plant.

SuperTalk Mississippi Media · DeSoto Co., MS

Compass Datacenters is launching Mississippi's first Mechanical, Electrical and Information Technology Data Center Pathway Program with Meridian Community College to train residents for technical roles supporting data center operations. The 14-week program offers full-tuition scholarships and prepares participants with no prior experience for positions in the growing digital infrastructure sector.

Data Centre Magazine · Lauderdale Co., MS

Entergy customers in Mississippi will bear $367.7 million in costs for a new solar power plant in DeSoto County designed to supply electricity to Amazon data centers located in Madison County, according to a filing with the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

Substack · Mississippi

Mississippi residents and Memphis-area community members attended an NAACP town hall to demand xAI shut down turbines operating without permits near its data center. The gathering heard concerns about air quality impacts, with organizers noting three lawsuits filed over pollution and unpermitted turbines, and citing xAI's 41 permitted versus 60 unpermitted turbines.

The Cool Down · DeSoto Co., MS

Compass Datacenters and Meridian Community College launched the MEI Data Center Pathway Program, a 14-week training initiative designed to prepare Mississippians for data center careers. The program, which begins this fall with full-tuition scholarships for the inaugural class, requires no prior degree or experience and is based on a successful model already operating in Texas.

PR Newswire · Lauderdale Co., MS

Meridian Community College and Compass are launching a 14-week data center training program to prepare workers for a multi-data-center campus in the Meridian area, with Compass providing full scholarships for the first cohort. The program covers mechanical, electrical and IT roles and is modeled after a similar Compass initiative in Texas.

tippahnews.com · Lauderdale Co., MS

SpaceXAI will remove 69 temporary turbines from its Southaven data center starting August 2026, completing removal by July 2027, as it constructs a permanent 1.2 GW power plant under an agreed order with Mississippi's environmental agency.

Action News 5 · DeSoto Co., MS · also at Action News 5, WLBT, WTVA

SpaceXAI will begin removing 69 temporary turbines from its Southaven facility as early as August, with completion targeted for July 2027, as part of an agreement with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The company is adding pollution-control and noise-reduction technology to the temporary turbines while constructing a permanent 1.2-gigawatt power plant.

FOX13 Memphis · DeSoto Co., MS

SpaceXAI and the State of Mississippi agreed to wind down some of the company's power plant operations in Southaven, the company announced Thursday.

Daily Memphian · DeSoto Co., MS

Headline onlylocalmemphis.com · Shelby Co., TN

An Ohio-based industrial contractor's CEO says SpaceXAI owes his company approximately $570 million, representing roughly 40% of a $1.5 billion total contract bill.

Daily Memphian · Shelby Co., TN

Darryl Cuttell, CEO of Darana Hybrid and owner of the International Hot Rod Association, claims SpaceXAI owes his company approximately $570 million for data center construction work in Tennessee and Mississippi. Darana Hybrid filed two mechanics' liens totaling $137 million this week, with Cuttell alleging payments stopped following the xAI and SpaceX merger.

Competition Plus · Tennessee

Headline onlyWREG.com · Shelby Co., TN · also at AOL.com

SpaceXAI says it will remove unpermitted gas turbines powering its data center by July 2027 under an agreed order with Mississippi environmental officials. The NAACP has sued the company, alleging the turbines violate the Clean Air Act by exposing nearby communities to hazardous pollution.

Engadget · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlylocalmemphis.com · Shelby Co., TN

SpaceXAI agreed to gradually remove 69 gas turbines from its data center facilities along the Mississippi-Tennessee border following lawsuits over noise and air pollution. The company plans to complete removal by July 2027 and replace them with a 1.2 GW permanent power plant featuring advanced emission control technologies.

PCMag · Shelby Co., TN

SpaceX has delayed the removal of unpermitted turbines powering xAI's Colossus data center in Memphis until mid-2027, while constructing a permanent natural gas power plant to replace them. The turbines have operated without proper air quality permits since the facility's startup earlier this year.

techbuzz.ai · Shelby Co., TN

SpaceX said it will remove unpermitted turbines powering xAI data centers near Memphis by July 2027 as it transitions to a permanent 1.2 gigawatt natural gas power plant. The company currently operates 69 gas turbines at the Colossus data centers, which the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center have sued over.

techcrunch.com · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Shelby Co., TN · also at localmemphis.com

Elon Musk confirmed SpaceXAI is building a fourth data center in Memphis, Tennessee, as the company agreed to remove 69 gas turbines over the next year following legal action claiming they violated the Clean Air Act. A permanent 1.2-gigawatt power plant will eventually replace the temporary turbines at the site.

Data Center Dynamics · Shelby Co., TN

Whitehaven residents say they were surprised to learn of a newly disclosed xAI data center facility called Minihard being developed in their neighborhood along Tulane Road, adding to existing construction projects. Community members and advocates have expressed concerns about lack of transparency, construction noise, traffic safety, and potential environmental impacts from the expanding xAI presence in Memphis.

FOX13 Memphis · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyLowndes Signal

Headline onlyWAFF · also at WTVY

Headline onlyLowndes Signal

Headline onlyThe Commercial Appeal

The City of Prichard is considering a temporary moratorium on data centers after an application was submitted for a proposed $93 million facility, with council members debating the project's potential $4.5 million to $5 million annual revenue against concerns about infrastructure impacts and its proximity to the historic Africatown community.

AL.com · Mobile Co., AL

Alabama Power filed a redacted contract for electric service to a data center in Jefferson County, withholding key financial and operational terms needed to evaluate whether existing customers will bear any costs. The filing comes as Alabama prepares to implement new regulations in October requiring data center contracts to demonstrate they cover their own costs and benefit existing ratepayers.

WBRC 6 News · Alabama · also at WSFA

Headline onlyWBRC 6 News · Jefferson Co., AL · also at WBRC 6 News, WSFA

Prichard Mayor Carletta Davis called for a community meeting to discuss the city's police department's future after multiple officers, including the police chief, faced arrests in a corruption investigation. The Mobile County Sheriff's Office has handled non-traffic calls since mid-June.

AL.com · Mobile Co., AL

Congressional investigators report that a Marxist organization tied to Chinese funding organized opposition in Alabama to a $93 million data center project in Prichard, according to a Bitcoin Policy Institute report now held by the FBI. The campaign, allegedly orchestrated by a network connected to a Shanghai-based American businessman, has stalled an estimated $23.6 billion in data center investments across at least 14 states through local moratoria and blocked projects.

Yellowhammer News · Mobile Co., AL

Capt. Michael Knight of the Prichard Police Department was arrested and charged with first-degree Theft by Deception and Use of Official Position for Personal Gain in an ongoing corruption investigation, following similar charges against the police chief and major.

AL.com · Mobile Co., AL

Democratic nominee Doug Jones told a Huntsville town hall crowd Wednesday that he would help the city address infrastructure needs tied to its economic growth and that he would leverage federal housing assistance funding to help address high housing costs. Jones also reiterated support for Medicaid expansion, an education lottery and a moratorium on data centers in response to resident questions.

AL.com · Madison Co., AL

timesdaily.com · Alabama · also at Lowndes Signal

Headline onlyWKRG · Mobile Co., AL · also at WDHN, WKRG

Prichard city leaders discussed options for addressing a proposed AI data center during a Wednesday community forum, including a temporary moratorium that could expose the city to legal challenges or creating restrictive ordinances governing the project's operation and location relative to residential areas.

mynbc15.com · Mobile Co., AL

Lagniappe Daily · Alabama

Headline onlyToccoa Record · Stephens Co., GA

Tom's Hardware · Georgia

Cleco submitted an application to the Louisiana Public Service Commission seeking approval to build a natural gas-powered substation to provide approximately 430 megawatts of electricity to the Applied Digital Delta Forge 1 data center in Rapides Parish. The utility company argues the data center customer will cover most project costs, reducing expenses for existing residential customers.

KALB | News Channel 5 · Louisiana

Headline onlyKLFY.com · Louisiana

Headline onlyWWLTV.com · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlyCNBC · Louisiana

Meridian Community College and Compass are launching a 14-week training program to prepare Mississippians for jobs at a data center campus being built in the region, with the first cohort receiving full scholarships and positions expected to pay 30-50% above median wages.

Magnolia Tribune · Lauderdale Co., MS

East Tennessee cities are implementing restrictions on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities citing concerns about noise, energy consumption, air pollution, and environmental impact. The efforts follow a lawsuit by crypto company ExoticRidge against Hawkins County's ban, prompting communities including Bristol, Kingsport, Jonesborough, and Washington County to pass moratoriums or strict zoning regulations before facilities arrive.

Tennessee Lookout · Tennessee

Headline onlyfinance.biggo.com · Shelby Co., TN

Rep. Frank Pallone, ranking member of the House Committee on Energy, demanded SpaceX CEO Elon Musk provide records and a tour of AI data centers and power plants in Memphis, Tennessee, alleging the company's use of natural gas turbines without pollution controls or permits poses health risks to local communities.

Pluang · Shelby Co., TN

The top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee is demanding SpaceX CEO Elon Musk provide a tour of xAI data centers and power plants in Memphis, citing concerns about environmental impacts and community effects from AI infrastructure expansion.

CNBC · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyWKRG · also at WDHN, WHNT.com

DeKalb County extended its data center moratorium through March 2027 to allow time for developing regulations, though Commissioner Ted Terry dissented, favoring an independent environmental study over one led by the CEO's office. The county currently has only two legacy data centers and commissioners have debated provisions including how facilities would be powered and how environmental reviews should be conducted.

WABE

Headline onlyWAFF · also at WSFA

timesdaily.com

Headline onlyWAFF · also at WAFF, WTVY

Headline onlyWDHN · also at WHNT.com

Prichard City Councilman Roy Smith toured an Atlanta data center operated by Edged Energy, the company proposing to build a facility in Prichard, and shared his observations with residents, noting low noise levels and effective cooling systems, though skepticism about the project persists.

fox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyfox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL

A reader urges Alabama state leaders to require technology data centers to help fund the excavation and relocation of coal ash at Plant Barry, which holds approximately 21 million tons of toxic waste in an unlined pit along the Mobile River floodplain.

Lagniappe Daily · Mobile Co., AL

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Local governments in Alabama lack authority to block proposed data centers due to constitutional restrictions that limit home rule powers. Only Baldwin and Shelby counties have home rule authority, leaving residents with limited recourse against projects that generate tax revenue but raise concerns about power consumption and noise.

Clarke County Democrat · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyfox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL

Alabama has more than 40 data centers currently operating in the state, with residents at a Mobile County Commission meeting raising concerns about a planned $6 to $8 billion Beacon Data Centers project in northern Mobile County. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt invited a German World Cup tourist to experience a University of Alabama football game day this fall.

Yellowhammer News · Montgomery Co., AL

District 5 Councilman Roy Smith, II is hosting a public forum Wednesday to provide residents information about a proposed AI data center development from Edged Energy. The property is zoned for industrial use, and the city's attorney stated that a moratorium alone cannot stop the project due to existing zoning regulations.

mynbc15.com · Mobile Co., AL

District 5 Councilman Roy Smith II is hosting an informational video tour of a proposed $93 million data center Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Prichard City Hall. The event will include a presentation, overview of project benefits, and a question-and-answer session.

fox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL · also at fox10tv.com

Small business owners in Northeast Louisiana have capitalized on opportunities created by Meta's new AI data center in Richland Parish, with local entrepreneurs expanding menus, hiring dozens of employees, and launching new ventures including a septic service company to meet demand from the project.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlyfox10tv.com · Caddo Parish, LA · also at WAFF, WTVY

Several Louisiana state lawmakers are withdrawing from nondisclosure agreements with the state's economic development agency, citing voter pressure and concerns about secret business negotiations. At least four legislators requested the Louisiana Economic Development agency terminate their NDAs after constituents objected to undisclosed data center deals.

NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA

Gov. Jeff Landry's administration has signed nearly 300 nondisclosure agreements with companies and government officials since January 2024, keeping negotiation details confidential until project announcements. The agreements often involve state commitments of millions or billions in tax breaks, free land, and other incentives.

NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA

The New Orleans City Planning Commission plans to seek City Council approval for rules allowing data centers under 100,000 square feet, requiring they be 500 feet from residences and use no more than 20 megawatts of power, following a temporary ban imposed earlier this year.

NOLA.com · Orleans Parish, LA

Meta's data center project in Richland Parish is expected to generate 7,500 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions while representing over $50 billion in state investment. Regional sales tax collections increased from $85 million to $126 million between early 2025 and first quarter 2026.

WAFB · Richland Parish, LA · also at KPTV, WBTV, fox10tv.com

Headline onlyMLex · Mississippi · also at MLex

Headline onlyMLex · Mississippi · also at MLex

Mississippi offers data centers a 10-year exemption on sales and use taxes for construction materials and equipment, plus income and franchise tax exemptions. Companies must be approved by the Mississippi Development Authority, invest at least $20 million and create at least 20 full-time jobs paying 125% of the average state wage.

DeSoto County News · Mississippi · also at Sun Herald

Headline onlyWSMV · Sumner Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Commercial Appeal · Shelby Co., TN

A U.S. House Democrat is demanding environmental and operational information from Elon Musk regarding xAI data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, citing concerns about emissions, water usage, and potential clean-air permit violations involving natural gas turbines powering the AI facilities.

thenews.com.pk · Shelby Co., TN

Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. demanded that Elon Musk provide information about pollution from xAI's data centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, alleging the facilities operate gas turbines without required air permits in violation of the Clean Air Act.

qz.com · Shelby Co., TN

A House Democrat requested that SpaceX and Musk's AI company provide documentation about data center expansions in Tennessee and Mississippi, including details on power sources, emissions, and water usage. The request follows concerns from lawmakers about environmental and community impacts of large data centers.

Memphis Flyer · Shelby Co., TN

A Pulaski County judge dismissed the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's lawsuit seeking Public Service Commission records on Google and Entergy Arkansas's data center contract, ruling the case belongs before the commission rather than circuit court. The newspaper plans to file a petition to intervene in the case at the Public Service Commission.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyWKRN News 2

Headline onlyLagniappe Daily

Headline onlyWAFF · also at WSFA

Headline onlyWHNT.com

Headline onlyWHNT.com

Headline onlyLowndes Signal · Lowndes Co., AL

Opelika Observer · Alabama

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society sued to stop construction of a $2 billion AI data center near its planned campus, alleging the project rushed through approvals in four months versus the shelter's 18-month review process. The shelter cited concerns about noise disrupting animal operations and welfare facilities.

inkl · Jefferson Co., AL · also at the-independent.com, The Independent

Utility officials told Mobile County commissioners the proposed $6 billion to $8 billion Beacon Data Centers project will not strain local power and water resources, but residents demanded stronger guarantees and greater oversight during Tuesday's public comment session.

AL.com · Mobile Co., AL

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society sued Birmingham and developers alleging they bypassed zoning rules to fast-track a $2 billion AI data center next to the nonprofit's planned veterinary campus. The humane society claims the data center's proximity and noise could harm its future animal welfare operations.

Business Insider · Jefferson Co., AL · also at aol.com

AL.com · Lowndes Co., AL

Yellowhammer News · Montgomery Co., AL

Headline onlyBloomberg.com · Alabama

Trump and U.S. Sen. Tuberville have promoted Alabama as a destination for data centers, which can generate tax revenue for schools and services. Meta's Montgomery data center project will source electricity from two solar facilities in Baldwin County that will use panels manufactured by First Solar in Lawrence County.

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

About 50 Mt. Vernon residents gathered Monday with local officials seeking written guarantees from Beacon Data Centers regarding a $6 billion data center project planned for north Mobile County, including commitments on noise levels and succession planning. The Mobile County Commission said it lacks authority to rezone the property or halt the development.

AL.com · Mobile Co., AL

Six Republican candidates discussed issues including data centers, veteran care, and agriculture at a Monday forum ahead of Alabama's 2nd Congressional District special primary on Aug. 11. Democratic incumbent Rep. Shomari Figures advances automatically to the general election, where recent polling shows him trailing the Republican frontrunner by one percentage point.

WTVY · Alabama

Headline onlyAlabama Political Reporter · Alabama

Albany city officials held public sessions on data center development after mid-July rumors circulated in the southwest Georgia city. A University of Tennessee sociologist studying utilities and democracy said data center concerns are increasingly bringing together people across racial, class, and political lines in Southern communities.

Georgia Recorder · Georgia

Nearly 1,000 Effingham County residents attended a meeting where OpenAI and county officials presented a planned $20 billion data center project that critics say was finalized without public input. Residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, power consumption, and the secrecy of the decision-making process.

Yahoo · Georgia

The Rome News-Tribune · Georgia

AJC.com · Chatham Co., GA

Headline onlyThe Augusta Chronicle · Georgia · also at Online Athens

Local businesses in Richland Parish are experiencing increased sales as construction begins on a major data center project. A tire shop owner reports he has hired additional staff and can now complete vehicle service work faster than before due to higher demand.

NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlyKSLA · Louisiana

Headline onlyKTBS 3 · Louisiana

The New York Times is investigating a secret Louisiana data center deal involving Meta, examining how the company secured favorable terms.

Axios · Orleans Parish, LA

Headline onlyRealClearMarkets · Louisiana

Headline onlyWWLTV.com · Louisiana

Headline onlyWWLTV.com · Louisiana

Mississippi is investing in fiber networks and data centers, with Amazon Web Services announcing $12 billion in additional data center investment in Ridgeland and Clinton, and Connecticut-based AVAIO Digital breaking ground on a $6 billion data center campus in Brandon. Telecommunications company C Spire is expanding rural broadband access across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee while developing AI systems to improve network operations.

Site Selection Magazine · Mississippi

Headline onlyChattanooga Times Free Press · Tennessee

La Vergne's planning commission recommended amending zoning rules to restrict data centers to Interchange Districts only, eliminating three currently permitted zones and removing proximity to residential neighborhoods where facilities could previously be built.

WSMV · Tennessee

Elon Musk's xAI data center campus in Memphis would rank second among Tennessee's top climate polluters if included in the rankings. The facility's Mississippi gas turbines are projected to emit 7-8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, and produce more nitrogen oxides than any facility in the tri-state region, with many turbines lacking pollution control equipment.

WPLN News · Shelby Co., TN

1819 News

Headline onlyWDHN

Headline onlyWBRC

Headline onlyThe Business Journals · Jefferson Co., AL

Democrat Doug Jones announced a 2026 gubernatorial campaign platform featuring Medicaid expansion, a one-year moratorium on data center development, government reforms including a citizen-led ballot initiative process, and economic measures such as eliminating the grocery tax and raising the minimum wage.

Tuscaloosa Thread · Jefferson Co., AL

EIN News · Dallas Co., AL · also at openPR.com

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones on Monday outlined an agenda featuring Medicaid expansion, citizen-led ballot initiatives, and a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers while establishing protections for taxpayers and communities.

Alabama Political Reporter · Alabama

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, campaigning for Alabama governor, criticized Republican opponent Tommy Tuberville's support for data centers, proposing a one-year moratorium on development while the state establishes environmental and utility rules. Jones also outlined policy positions including IVF protection, lottery approval, grocery tax elimination and increased education funding.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

Alabama Political Reporter · Madison Co., AL

DC Blox purchased a portion of the former Golden Flake factory space in Birmingham for $2.5 million as part of its expansion next to its existing campus. State Health Officer Scott Harris attributed rising measles cases nationwide to vaccine skepticism, though Alabama has reported no in-state cases as of 2026.

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Georgia's 150-plus data centers are driving up electricity demand and requiring expensive grid upgrades, becoming a central issue in the state's open governor's race. Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms is calling for a construction moratorium, while Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and his opponent Rick Jackson support allowing data center development.

Politico · Georgia

An industry organization representing data centers has launched a public relations campaign in Georgia, including a website and YouTube channel, while the state Chamber of Commerce established an alliance to support data center expansion. The efforts come as lawmakers debate regulations and community opposition to data center projects intensifies across the state.

thecurrentga.org · Georgia

Google filed to expand its data center campus in LaGrange, Georgia, with plans for a 470,000-square-foot building valued at $1 billion that could be completed by 2029, joining an existing structure on the site.

Data Center Dynamics · Fulton Co., GA

Stillwater Development has filed to build a gigawatt-scale data center campus called Stillwater Technology Park in Lovejoy, Georgia, south of Atlanta. The project could include up to 15 buildings totaling 3.465 million square feet across 400 acres, with completion of the first phase potentially by 2031.

Data Center Dynamics · Fulton Co., GA

Senator Reverend Warnock is urging the EPA to issue guidance protecting Georgia communities' water supplies as data center expansion accelerates. Georgia hosts 230 data center facilities, and OpenAI's planned $20 billion facility in Effingham County would require significant power and water resources.

TheCitizen.com · Chatham Co., GA

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said electric vehicles remain a priority for his remaining six months in office, even as the state pivots to grow its electrical grid by 50 percent to power artificial intelligence data centers. Since pledging in 2023 to make Georgia the "electric mobility capital of America," the state has announced over $27 billion in private and corporate investments tied to EVs and battery manufacturing.

Politico · Georgia

A pro-data center industry group established a Georgia presence in June, launching a website and YouTube channel featuring promotional content as public opposition to data center construction grows statewide. The effort comes amid failed legislative attempts to regulate or restrict the facilities and high-profile protests against projects including a proposed $20 billion OpenAI facility in Effingham County.

Georgia Recorder · Georgia · also at WaltonTribune.com, Griffin Daily News

OpenAI announced plans for a 3.2 gigawatt data center called "Project Camellia" in Rincon, Georgia at the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub. The company will invest $20 billion in construction, commit $80 million in local support, and use a closed-loop water system, with phased development planned between 2028 and 2032.

AOL.com · Georgia

Meta contributed $2 billion toward a $50 billion Louisiana data center project financed largely through a $27.3 billion bond offering, while securing the ability to exit the venture after four years despite longer commitments from other investors and lenders.

Business Model Analyst · Richland Parish, LA

Meta is constructing a $50 billion artificial intelligence data center called Hyperion in rural northeastern Louisiana, designed to provide 5 gigawatts of computing capacity. The project has drawn scrutiny over its massive scale, energy requirements, financing arrangements and the secrecy of negotiations involving Meta, state officials, local authorities and energy company Entergy.

The American Bazaar · Louisiana

Meta has exited the RE100 renewable energy pledge and is funding approximately 10 gas-fired power plants totaling roughly 7.5 gigawatts to supply its data centers, including a major facility in Louisiana and a project in Ohio.

Electrek · Louisiana

Headline onlyThe Real Deal · Richland Parish, LA

A University of Texas poll found 56% of Texans oppose building data centers in their communities, citing concerns about electricity demand, water consumption and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Louisiana's governor is aggressively courting data center and AI investment while Texas leaders have begun restricting such projects.

KTBS 3 · Louisiana

Headline onlyqz.com · Louisiana

Meta signed a long-term power purchase agreement with Lightsource BP for the 150-megawatt Mowata Solar project in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, with construction expected to begin this year. The deal marks the second PPA between the companies, following a 2022 agreement for an Ohio solar project.

Data Center Dynamics · Louisiana

A Caddo Parish commissioner proposed restricting temporary worker housing camps associated with data center construction, but the parish lacks authority to impose such zoning requirements without a comprehensive master plan, which Louisiana law mandates for such restrictions in unincorporated areas.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Caddo Parish, LA

Meta restructured its $50 billion Louisiana data center project, retaining 20% ownership while Blue Owl Capital took 80%, on the same day state regulators approved the three gas plants powering it. Consumer advocates warn Louisiana ratepayers could face stranded costs from the gas plants if Meta exits after its four-year lease term expires.

Startup Fortune · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlyThe New York Times · Louisiana · also at The New York Times

Headline onlyThe New York Times · Louisiana

Fort Madison's Planning & Zoning Commission will meet Tuesday to discuss zoning ordinances related to extraterritorial zoning and high-impact developments, prompted by a proposed data center project at 2201 S. Business 61 South outside city limits.

Daily Gate City · Mississippi

Headline onlyThe Clarion-Ledger · Mississippi · also at The Commercial Appeal

Gov. Bill Lee joined 22 Republican governors in signing Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," a voluntary agreement requiring companies to cover data center construction and operating costs. Tennessee passed a law requiring data center owners needing at least 50 megawatts of power to pay for necessary electricity infrastructure upgrades, though the law contains exemptions.

Tennessee Lookout · Tennessee

Headline onlyWHNT.com

Headline onlyLowndes Signal

An Emporia High School physics teacher was arrested for interference with law enforcement after clapping in support of data center opponents during a city commission meeting where zoning changes were approved. He was released after posting bail and plans to plead not guilty.

WBRC · also at WAFF, WSFA, WTVY

AL.com

An Alabama congresswoman has joined legislation calling for a pause on new AI data center projects until federal protections are established. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell cited concerns about local water consumption, electricity demands, environmental effects, and whether communities would benefit from these facilities.

The Cool Down · Alabama · also at Yahoo

DC Blox's parent company purchased a former Golden Flake factory building adjacent to its existing Birmingham data center for $2.5 million on July 20. The property acquisition supports the company's expansion plans, which include a long-term $785 million investment at its current Titusville site through 2029.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

A 1819 News podcast episode examined data center impacts on Alabama communities, with CEO Bryan Dawson calling for transparency about power grid capacity, environmental effects, wastewater concerns, and financial benefits to localities before development proceeds.

1819 News · Alabama

OpenAI is investing $20 billion to build a data center campus in Effingham County near Savannah, which will create 400 jobs. The company will cover energy costs, limit water use, and provide $151 million in community benefits including local investments and college student credits.

Spectrum News · Chatham Co., GA

Cherokee County commissioners unanimously approved a 30-day pause on new data center development and scheduled an August 18 hearing to consider a longer extension, potentially keeping the moratorium in place until mid-February 2027, as the county lacks specific ordinances to regulate such facilities.

Yahoo · Fulton Co., GA

Georgia Power is using eminent domain to acquire over 300 parcels, including nearly 30 homes, for a 35-mile transmission line, with 70-80% of the new capacity serving data centers. Residents in Georgia, Wisconsin, and Ohio are mounting legal challenges, arguing the project primarily benefits private companies rather than serving a legitimate public infrastructure need.

Startup Fortune · Coweta Co., GA

Georgia Power is expanding its electrical grid with over 1,000 miles of transmission lines across 330 parcels to support new AI data center projects, which would displace nearly 30 residential properties through sales or eminent domain. The utility's Ashley Park-Wansley Transmission Project affects a 35-mile stretch across four counties, with reports suggesting 70-80% of the generated power will serve data centers.

Fortune · Georgia

A Coweta County, Georgia resident who relocated seeking rural quietness discovered a proposed 4.9 million square-foot hyperscale data center could be built nearby. The resident created a Facebook group that grew to over 8,000 members opposing Project Sail, though the county board approved it 3-2 in a vote citing long-term financial benefits.

The Cool Down · Coweta Co., GA

Augusta, Georgia commissioners unanimously voted to extend a moratorium on data center development for 60 additional days after residents expressed concerns about potential increases to water and energy costs. The city will use the extension period to gather more public feedback and examine how other communities have addressed similar facilities.

The Cool Down · Richmond Co., GA

Headline onlyWKRN News 2 · Davidson Co., TN

Dothan Eagle

A $6 billion data center planned for north Mobile County is projected to generate roughly $1.5 billion in sales tax revenue and nearly $100 million annually in property tax revenue for the county and school system over two decades, with no tax incentives involved unlike some other Alabama data center projects.

AL.com

Headline onlymynbc15.com · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyWBMA · Jefferson Co., AL · also at mynbc15.com, WBMA

Headline onlyfox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL

Opposition to data center construction has emerged as an unexpected bipartisan issue, with a Gallup poll showing seven in 10 Americans oppose local data center projects. Both conservative and progressive groups cite environmental concerns, surveillance risks, and quality-of-life impacts, though conservatives also worry about potential Chinese infiltration of U.S. technology.

Boing Boing · Florida

Headline onlyWKRG · Florida · also at WKRG

OpenAI announced plans for a 3.2-gigawatt data center in Rincon, Georgia called Project Camellia, which will use a closed-loop water system and provide flexible power demand response to Georgia Power while committing $80 million in local support.

AOL.com · Georgia

OpenAI's proposed $20 billion data center in Effingham County must undergo Georgia's state evaluation process for large-scale developments before construction can begin on the 1,400-acre facility planned for 2028, with a formal DRI form submitted Wednesday containing blank spaces on water usage and environmental impacts.

thecurrentga.org · Chatham Co., GA

The Georgia Virtue · Fulton Co., GA

Headline onlyIndiatimes · Georgia

About 100 Georgia residents rallied against a proposed data center called "Project Ruby," citing concerns that the Columbus city council ignored their opposition and lacked transparency in the permitting process. The protest reflects broader national scrutiny of data centers' demands on electricity grids and local resources.

The Cool Down · Georgia

President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge at a White House event attended by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy CEO Drew Marsh, requiring AI data centers to fund their own power generation and grid upgrades. A utility watchdog argued the pledge lacks legal enforcement and questioned whether Meta's data center will reduce electricity bills for Louisiana customers.

fox8live.com · Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana argues its agreement with Meta will save existing ratepayers approximately $2 billion over 20 years through revenue from the data center offsetting systemwide costs, though consumer advocates warn the savings depend on optimistic assumptions that may not materialize if construction costs rise or Meta's demand falls short.

American Press · Louisiana

Headline onlyWWLTV.com · Louisiana

Headline onlyWREG.com · DeSoto Co., MS

Jobs for Justice East Tennessee is hosting a workshop to address Hamilton County residents' questions about AI data centers, citing environmental concerns and potential workforce impacts. The county recently passed a one-year moratorium on AI data centers, though it applies only to unincorporated areas.

WTVC · Tennessee · also at wtvcfox

The Nashville Zoo rejected a proposed memorandum of understanding with data center provider DC Blox that would have allowed construction of a 69,200-square-foot facility adjacent to the animal park, citing concerns about safety for vulnerable species and nearby communities.

The Independent · Davidson Co., TN · also at aol.com

Headline onlyWREG.com

Headline onlyMontgomery Advertiser · Alabama · also at The Tuscaloosa News, Montgomery Advertiser, The Tuscaloosa News

After resident pressure at a July 20 Fairfield, Alabama city council meeting, Mayor Herman Carnes Jr. revealed that Missouri-based AI infrastructure company Patmos is proposing a data center in the city. The council voted to temporarily halt additional data center proposals while residents and officials seek answers about energy demands and community benefits.

The Cool Down · Jefferson Co., AL · also at Yahoo

Alabama gubernatorial candidates are taking different stances on data centers ahead of midterm elections. Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville supports data centers with conditions including recycled water use and developer-funded infrastructure costs, while Democrat Doug Jones proposes pausing construction for a year to study environmental and community impacts.

wvtm · Alabama

Columbiana's city council approved a $3.5 million community impact payment from DigiPowerX, a Bitcoin mining company converting to a data center operations. The company receives a 12-month sales and use tax abatement during construction, with the city planning to use funds for infrastructure projects like sidewalk and road improvements.

WBRC · Alabama

Bessemer officials signed a non-disclosure agreement with Project Marvel developers that restricted public access to site plans, studies, and developer information, according to documents released after environmental groups sued. The hyperscale data center project has drawn resident opposition over concerns about pollution, water strain, and environmental impacts in the majority-Black community.

Word In Black · Jefferson Co., AL

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Data centers are expanding across Alabama, from Huntsville to rural counties, sparking debate among state leaders about whether comprehensive statewide planning is needed to ensure local communities benefit from the billion-dollar tech investments.

Lagniappe Daily · Madison Co., AL

Lagniappe Daily · Mobile Co., AL

A Mobile County grand jury has called for Prichard Police Chief Walter Knight's removal and the police department's abolishment and rebuilding. However, Prichard City Council members say Alabama law may require Mayor Carletta Davis—who has not attended a council meeting since May—to initiate removal proceedings.

mynbc15.com · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyMontgomery Advertiser · Montgomery Co., AL · also at The Tuscaloosa News, Dothan Eagle

Prichard City Council is considering a moratorium next week to pause development of a contested $90 million data center that Edged Energy proposed for Telegraph Road in April.

Lagniappe Daily · Mobile Co., AL

Alabama Power committed to keeping data center costs off customer bills, while U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell backed a moratorium on new AI data centers in the state. The Alabama Department of Public Health is considering adopting the federal government's rescheduling of certain medical marijuana products from Schedule I to Schedule III following a public hearing.

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Republican congressional candidate Case Dixon criticized special treatment for AI data centers in Alabama, arguing they should comply with the same permitting and environmental requirements as other industrial projects rather than receiving taxpayer subsidies or exemptions favored by politicians.

Alabama Political Reporter · Alabama

A proposed 1,500-megawatt data center near a historic 1965 civil rights march campsite in Lowndes County could receive up to a 30-year tax abatement, though the speculative developer's eventual operator remains unidentified. County commissioners have debated the incentive, with some arguing against approving tax breaks before a formal request is submitted.

Yellowhammer News · Dallas Co., AL

Two Alabama Democratic candidates—former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, running for governor, and state Rep. Phillip Ensler, running for lieutenant governor—are calling for a statewide moratorium on new data center development. They cite concerns about impacts on the power grid, water usage, and local quality of life, and want time for environmental review and public input before approving projects.

AL.com · Alabama

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville supports building more data centers in Alabama with transparency, arguing the facilities provide tax benefits to schools. Several Alabama cities have paused new data center projects, and opponents including U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell have called for moratoriums.

Yellowhammer News · Jefferson Co., AL

Patmos is exploring development of a technology campus in Fairfield, Alabama, similar to its Kansas City facility that converted a former newspaper building into a 400,000-square-foot multi-use space featuring an AI data center. A community town hall is scheduled for August 12 at the Fairfield Civic Center.

WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL

The Prichard City Council discussed a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center permits Thursday, following resident opposition to an Edged Energy project proposed for Telegraph Road. A council vote may occur the following week.

fox10tv.com · Mobile Co., AL

Headline onlyWBRC · Mobile Co., AL · also at WAFF, fox10tv.com

Headline onlyWSFA · Alabama

Alabama's 2026 gubernatorial candidates offered contrasting positions on data center development: Republican Tommy Tuberville emphasized economic benefits and job creation for rural areas, while Democrat Doug Jones called for stronger regulations and transparency to prevent environmental harm and protect residents from higher electricity costs.

WSFA · Montgomery Co., AL

The Rome News-Tribune · Chatham Co., GA · also at The Covington News, The Rome News-Tribune

Georgia Power announced a six-point customer protection pledge addressing concerns about rising utility bills tied to data center growth, while President Trump unveiled a separate Ratepayer Protection Pledge requiring companies to fund new power infrastructure for data centers. Energy advocates and officials dismissed both pledges as lacking enforceability and offering no new protections beyond existing commitments.

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer · Georgia

Residents in Foxborough, Lowndes County, are voicing concerns about a possible data center after the county rezoned approximately 719 acres to Light Manufacturing in July 2025. Though no formal proposal has been submitted, residents cite worries about noise, water usage, traffic, and property values.

WALB · Georgia

OpenAI announced Project Camellia, a data center campus planned for Effingham County, Georgia, that will require 3.2 gigawatts of power delivered between 2028 and 2032. The company committed to $80 million in community benefits, hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and pledged electricity rates will not increase for residents.

the Electrical Distributor magazine · Georgia

Google will operate an eight million square foot data center in Columbia County, Georgia, spanning 23 buildings across 1,900 acres northwest of White Oak Business Park. The announcement was made Thursday by the county's Economic Development Authority, with the county board chairman appearing with President Trump at a Washington conference on data center utility costs.

Data Center Dynamics · Georgia

President Trump expanded his Ratepayer Protection Pledge to include nearly 200 stakeholders, including 23 Republican governors, requiring data center companies to fund their own infrastructure costs rather than passing them to consumers. The pledge aims to prevent electricity bill increases as data centers expand across the country.

Now Georgia · Georgia · also at Cobb Courier

OpenAI secured a 25-year power contract with Georgia Power for 3.2 gigawatts to support a $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia. The secretive deal sparked community backlash, with nearly 1,000 residents attending a contentious meeting to voice concerns about noise, traffic, and environmental impact.

Tech Times · Georgia

AJC.com · Georgia

Louisiana welcomed a $40 billion Meta data center expansion in Richland Parish, while New York enacted a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers. Louisiana's project is expected to create jobs and boost local infrastructure investment, contrasting with New York's restrictions on such facilities.

Pelican Institute · Richland Parish, LA

President Trump announced a non-binding pledge Thursday for tech companies and power producers to fund energy infrastructure for AI data centers while shielding consumers from rising electricity costs. Critics questioned the pledge's enforceability as data center power demands strain the electric grid and contribute to higher utility bills.

New Orleans CityBusiness · Louisiana

More than 121 employees in Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry's office have signed nondisclosure agreements restricting their speech about work activities, records show. Legal experts warn the NDAs could chill constitutionally protected speech and create a culture of fear, though the governor's office characterizes them as a good governance measure.

WWNO · Orleans Parish, LA · also at Louisiana Illuminator

Gov. Jeff Landry and Entergy signed a voluntary pledge aimed at protecting consumers from high utility bills driven by data centers, joining other governors and energy providers nationwide in the agreement.

WBRZ · Richland Parish, LA

Gov. Jeff Landry and Richland Parish Schools Superintendent Sheldon Jones met with President Trump at a White House roundtable on a ratepayer protection plan involving AI data centers. Over 220 utilities and other partners signed the pledge, which requires companies to build electricity generation resources to cover facility demands and pay for infrastructure upgrades.

KNOE · Richland Parish, LA

President Trump announced an expansion of his "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" to include 23 Republican governors and 200 stakeholders, aimed at ensuring data centers pay their own utility infrastructure costs rather than passing them to consumers. Experts noted the pledge is voluntary and lacks legal enforcement, though they welcomed the participation of governors and industry stakeholders.

WBRC · Louisiana · also at WAFF, WSFA, fox10tv.com

Entergy Chair and CEO Drew Marsh announced at a White House event that the company signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge and unveiled its "Fair Share Plus" pledge, designed to deliver approximately $7 billion in customer benefits over two decades while supporting large energy projects like data centers.

Entergy · Richland Parish, LA

Thirty data centers under construction in Mississippi are creating demand for skilled workers, prompting state universities and local communities to develop talent pipelines. The state also aims to support electronic manufacturing needs, with Jabil announcing a new plant expected to hire over 2,000 employees.

MPB — Mississippi Public Broadcasting · Mississippi

Headline onlyLocal 3 News · Tennessee

Headline onlyKnoxville News Sentinel · Knox Co., TN · also at Yahoo, AOL.com

The Nashville Zoo rejected a memorandum of understanding from DC Blox that would have limited the proposed data center to an initial 69,000-square-foot facility and included a land gift to the zoo. The zoo's board unanimously voted down the proposal, citing safety concerns about operating a data center near vulnerable species and neighboring communities.

Nashville Scene · Davidson Co., TN

The Tennessee Valley Authority signed the Trump administration's non-binding Ratepayer Protection Pledge, affirming its commitment to keeping power bills affordable. The utility said it is working to prevent rising data center costs from being passed to the 10 million people it serves across seven states.

WCLU Radio · Tennessee

TVA has signed President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a federal initiative aimed at preventing data centers from driving up electricity costs for consumers. The pledge commits companies to protect American consumers from price hikes caused by data center energy demands while lowering long-term electricity costs.

Local 3 News · Tennessee

Nashville's Metro Council advanced legislation Tuesday that would allow the city to seize an Atlanta-based company's property via eminent domain to prevent a data center construction next to the Nashville Zoo, which claims the facility's noise would stress endangered clouded leopards.

Reason Magazine · Davidson Co., TN

Memphis communities have battled a large data center project that was installed without democratic community input or proper permitting, according to an environmental justice nonprofit leader. The facility's methane gas turbines contribute to pollution in an already heavily polluted area with historical significance to African American residents.

Louisville Public Media · Shelby Co., TN

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed President Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," a voluntary, non-binding agreement among 23 Republican governors aimed at protecting consumers from rising electricity bills caused by data center growth. The pledge calls on major tech companies to generate their own energy for data centers rather than increasing demand on the grid.

WSMV · Tennessee

Headline onlyWaco Tribune-Herald · Davidson Co., TN

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," which sets optional guidelines urging AI companies and data center operators to fund their own energy and infrastructure needs rather than passing costs to consumers. The pledge aims to prevent rate increases for American households as data center electricity demand grows.

WSMV · Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation's largest public power provider, has signed a Trump administration pledge requiring data center operators to cover infrastructure costs rather than passing them to ratepayers. TVA expects data center electricity use to double by 2030 and is considering separate higher rates for these facilities.

Chattanooga Times Free Press · Tennessee · also at Decatur Daily

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Headline onlyWHNT.com · also at WKRG, WDHN

Headline onlyWDHN · also at CBS 42

President Trump announced that nearly 200 stakeholders have signed a pledge requiring companies to pay for energy costs at artificial intelligence data centers, addressing community concerns over rising electricity expenses, noise, and water usage. The Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation's largest public power provider, joined the pledge and said it is exploring how it charges large power users including AI companies.

Local 3 News

Headline onlyWTVY

Headline onlyWDHN · also at CBS 42, WKRG

Headline onlyWAFF

Headline onlyWBRC · also at WAFF, WAFF, WSFA

Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville supports data center expansion with requirements that facilities pay their own infrastructure and electricity costs without burdening residents. Democratic candidate Doug Jones calls for a six-month to one-year moratorium on new data center permits to allow communities time to assess environmental and economic impacts and establish transparency guardrails.

WTVA · Alabama

Alabama's gubernatorial race centers on data center expansion policy, with Democratic nominee Doug Jones calling for a pause on new facilities and Republican Tommy Tuberville advocating continued growth. Jones seeks greater local community input in approval decisions, while Tuberville touts economic benefits and pledges to shield ratepayers from energy cost increases.

WTVY · Alabama

Headline onlyWTVY · Alabama

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville advocated for teaching artificial intelligence in Alabama schools at an early age, emphasizing ethics and identifying misinformation. Tuberville also discussed data center development, Coast Guard leadership legislation, and FDA authority over unsafe imported food.

WBMA · Alabama · also at WBMA

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Southern Company signed Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," a voluntary effort aimed at ensuring businesses, rather than consumers, bear costs of expanding data centers and updating power grid infrastructure.

AL.com · Alabama

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is cosponsoring the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would pause new data center construction until Congress establishes safety safeguards, diverging from Sen. Tommy Tuberville and President Trump's support for rapid industry expansion in Alabama.

Yellowhammer News · Jefferson Co., AL

An NDA between Bessemer and developers of a $14.5 billion data center project required the city to destroy confidential information upon request, conflicting with Alabama law requiring municipalities to preserve government records, according to the Alabama Rivers Alliance.

1819 News · Jefferson Co., AL

Rep. Terri Sewell is supporting Democratic legislation that would temporarily halt data center construction until Congress establishes national standards for the facilities.

timesdaily.com · Alabama

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is cosponsoring the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would pause new data center construction until Congress establishes national standards addressing energy use, water consumption, and community protections. Alabama currently has 27 operating or planned data centers.

Decatur Daily · Morgan Co., AL

OpenAI held a public open house in Effingham County following its announcement of a $20 billion data center campus called "Project Camellia," expected to create at least 400 long-term jobs. The company pledged to establish a "Georgia Community Compact" with annual independent audits, though it did not confirm who would conduct the audits.

WTOC · Georgia

OpenAI will invest $20 billion in Project Camellia, a data center in Effingham County, Georgia, requiring 3.2 gigawatts of power delivered in phases from 2028 to 2032. The project marks OpenAI's first instance of acting as lead designer and developer rather than leasing compute capacity from cloud providers.

ConstructConnect News · Georgia

Headline onlyWJBF · Georgia

OpenAI announced plans to build a massive AI data center in Effingham County, Georgia, which will receive up to 3.2 gigawatts of electricity by 2032 and create thousands of jobs while generating hundreds of millions in tax revenue. The company will fully fund infrastructure costs, commit to reducing electricity use during peak demand periods, and provide $80 million in community benefits.

CBS News · Chatham Co., GA

OpenAI announced plans to build a 3.2 GW data center campus called Project Camellia in Effingham County, Georgia, comprising four buildings across 1,400 acres with phased opening beginning in 2028. The company has contracted with Georgia Power Company for power delivery between 2028 and 2032 under a 25-year agreement and estimates the project will cost over $30 billion at full build out.

W.Media · Georgia

Headline onlyColumbus Ledger-Enquirer · Georgia

Headline only조선일보 · Georgia

OpenAI announced plans to build a 3.2-gigawatt AI data center called Project Camellia in Effingham County, Georgia, with initial operations targeted for 2028 and full buildout by 2032. The project involves a $20 billion capital investment, will initially employ 400 people expanding to over 1,000, and requires Georgia Public Service Commission approval for its power agreement with Georgia Power.

XenoSpectrum · Georgia

Headline onlyTech in Asia · Georgia

OpenAI plans to build a $30 billion AI data center in Effingham County, Georgia near Savannah, with operations expected to begin in 2028 and expand to 1,000 employees by 2032. The company has secured 3.2 gigawatts of power from Georgia Power and will receive a 50% property-tax abatement for 15 years, while contributing $80 million for local community services.

Gotrade · Chatham Co., GA

Gov. Jeff Landry spoke with President Donald Trump in Washington about data centers following Meta's announcement of expanding its Richland Parish facility to a $50 billion investment, up from a $10 billion plan announced two years ago. The governor noted local teachers received additional income through tax collections, though critics worry about infrastructure demands and potential energy cost increases.

WDSU · Richland Parish, LA

Entergy and more than 220 utilities and tech companies signed President Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," committing not to pass AI data center electricity costs to regular customers. The signatories represent about 80% of U.S. power delivery, with Entergy pledging to save its customers $2.65 billion over 20 years related to Meta's Richland Parish data center project.

NOLA.com · Richland Parish, LA

State Public Service Commission Chair Eric Skrmetta stated that Meta's planned artificial intelligence data center expansion in Richland Parish would be unlikely to result in rate increases for Entergy Louisiana customers.

hannapub.com · Richland Parish, LA

The Tennessee Valley Authority has signed the Trump administration's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a federal initiative designed to protect consumers from utility price increases as data center demand grows. TVA said it is exploring how to charge large power users, including AI companies, and will propose updates next month.

WSMV · Tennessee

Headline onlyThe Tennessean · Davidson Co., TN · also at Yahoo, AOL.com

Nashville Zoo's board unanimously rejected a DC Blox proposal to build a 69,000-square-foot data center adjacent to the zoo. Zoo leadership cited concerns about potential effects on animals, schools and nearby neighborhoods.

WSMV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWKRN News 2 · Davidson Co., TN

News Channel 5 Nashville · Tennessee

Nashville Banner · Davidson Co., TN

Nashville's Metro Council approved a pause on new data center permits through December and added zoning regulations for noise, water use, and construction distances from schools. The actions follow mounting opposition to a DC Blox facility proposed near the Nashville Zoo, which Mayor Freddie O'Connell is seeking to block through eminent domain.

The Cool Down · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyFinimize · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Augusta Chronicle

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

President Trump announced that over 220 utilities, tech companies, and state governments have signed his Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which requires tech companies and data center operators to fund new energy infrastructure rather than passing costs to residential ratepayers, covering electricity rates for 80% of U.S. power distribution.

Florida’s Voice

Headline onlyAL.com

Headline onlyThe Tennessean

Headline onlyCBS 42 · also at WHNT.com, WKRG

Headline onlyWBRC · also at WAFF

Environmental group Black Warrior Riverkeeper opposes planned data center developments in West Alabama, citing concerns about water consumption and impacts on local waterways. The issue has become central to political races, with disagreement between candidates over whether rapid data center expansion benefits or harms communities.

Tuscaloosa Thread · Jefferson Co., AL

timesdaily.com · Alabama

Rep. Terri Sewell cosponsored legislation to pause large AI data centers until Congress establishes federal safeguards, citing concerns about water use and environmental impacts. A proposed data center in Marengo and Hale counties will be discussed at a July 30 forum in Gallion.

Black Belt News Network · Marengo Co., AL

Doug Jones, a Democratic candidate for Alabama governor, supports a temporary moratorium on data center construction to establish transparency requirements and protect communities before approving new projects. Jones argues Alabamians deserve answers about water consumption, infrastructure costs, tax incentives, and whether residents will benefit fairly from data center development.

AL.com · Alabama

Democratic candidates for Alabama's Sixth Congressional District discussed their positions on data centers and abortion at a forum Tuesday, with views ranging from opposing data center development to supporting abortion rights and reproductive healthcare. The special primary election is scheduled for August 11.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

Senator Tommy Tuberville told an Alabama delegation in London that elementary school students will begin learning to use artificial intelligence next year, saying no other state is implementing such a program. Tuberville also expressed support for bringing data centers to Alabama and said his administration has hired a group to train teachers in AI instruction.

AL.com · Alabama

Chelsea's City Council approved one-year moratoriums on new data centers and rental residential communities to allow time for officials to develop zoning standards for these growing development types. Council Vice President Chris Gace said the moratoriums are not in response to specific proposals but aim to establish regulations protecting community quality of life.

WBMA · Alabama

AL.com · Alabama

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has co-sponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act with fellow Democrats, calling for a construction pause until federal safeguards are established. Sewell cited constituent concerns about water use, energy demands, and environmental impacts, while emphasizing support for innovation.

1819 News · Jefferson Co., AL

State Rep. Parker Moore defended data center development as a national security necessity against artificial intelligence competition with China, while distinguishing such facilities from bitcoin-mining operations. Sen. Arthur Orr proposed legislation giving local governments authority over data center placement, citing concerns about impacts on long-established residential areas.

Decatur Daily · Morgan Co., AL

Chelsea City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on permits for new data centers and residential rental units to allow time for reviewing and adjusting zoning ordinances, according to Mayor Cody Sumners.

wvtm · Alabama · also at wvtm

Headline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL

Rep. Terri Sewell has co-sponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would temporarily halt construction and expansion of large AI data centers until Congress establishes federal safeguards. Sewell cited concerns about the facilities' impact on water, energy, the environment, and local communities.

wvtm · Alabama

Headline onlyfinance.biggo.com · Georgia

AJC.com · Chatham Co., GA

OpenAI is investing more than $30 billion in a data center campus in coastal Georgia that will provide up to 3.2 gigawatts of computing capacity over the next decade. The first several hundred megawatts should become available in 2028, with construction expected to continue through 2032.

Interesting Engineering · Georgia

Cherokee County commissioners unanimously approved a 30-day moratorium on data center development, with plans to extend it through early 2027. The pause will allow staff time to develop ordinances addressing data center use, as the county currently lacks specific regulations governing such facilities.

Atlanta News First · Fulton Co., GA

OpenAI plans to build a $20 billion data center campus in Effingham County's Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, expected to create 400 permanent jobs and potentially help fund the county's effort to eliminate homestead property taxes.

WJCL · Chatham Co., GA

A dozen protesters rallied at the Georgia State Capitol on July 18 against rapid data center construction, citing concerns about community input, noise, water use, and energy grid strain. A Georgia Tech analysis found data centers can increase local electricity prices by 5 percent.

The Cool Down · Fulton Co., GA

A Louisiana utility regulator issued a subpoena requiring Meta to disclose electricity needs and permanent job figures for its planned $50 billion data center in Richland Parish, but Meta has sought to quash the order. Environmental groups and consumer advocates cite lack of transparency concerns as the project's power needs—eventually reaching 5 gigawatts by 2032—far exceed Meta's stated requirements.

Straight Arrow · Louisiana

Cleco will build a 756MW natural gas power plant to supply Applied Digital's 430MW data center under construction in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Applied will fund the plant, infrastructure, and a ten-year power supply agreement, with Cleco purchasing 370MW of capacity from a Texas natural gas facility.

Data Center Dynamics · Louisiana

Southaven's city council passed a 5-1 ordinance amendment prohibiting homeowners from displaying broken blinds, shutters, or temporary window coverings visible from public streets, with only Alderman Jerome voting against the measure.

Substack · DeSoto Co., MS

Vicksburg, Mississippi residents protested Saturday against a proposed Amazon data center in Warren County, citing concerns about noise, pollution, and increased utility costs near an elementary school. The Jackson City Council separately approved a six-month pause on data center projects.

The Cool Down · Warren Co., MS

Nashville's Metropolitan Council approved a moratorium on data center development through December 10 and enacted regulations banning such facilities within 100 feet of churches, daycares, schools, or zoos, and large data centers within 2,640 feet of these locations. The action followed opposition to a proposed 70,000-square-foot facility near the Nashville Zoo.

The Black Chronicle · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyNews Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

SpaceXAI is exploring multiple sites in Texas for large-scale data centers comparable in capacity to its existing Memphis/Mississippi facilities. The subsidiary has posted positions for data center development and operations roles in Austin, Bastrop, and Conroe.

Data Center Dynamics · Shelby Co., TN

Nashville's Metro Council unanimously approved new zoning regulations for data centers, including distance requirements from sensitive locations and a temporary permit freeze through December. Whether the rules apply to a proposed DC BLOX facility near the Nashville Zoo remains unclear since permits were already submitted.

News Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWSMV · Davidson Co., TN

SpaceXAI is exploring multiple Texas sites to build ground-up data center facilities to expand its computing capacity beyond its existing Colossus data centers in Tennessee. The expansion follows the company's February acquisition of xAI and includes agreements with Google, Anthropic, and Reflection AI to provide computing capacity.

Wccftech · Shelby Co., TN

Nashville's Metro Council passed its first data center regulations, which restrict facility locations based on size and energy use, limit noise levels, and constrain on-site fossil fuel generation. The council also implemented a moratorium on new data center permits until December 1 to refine policies and study environmental impacts.

WPLN News · Davidson Co., TN

Nashville's Metro Council passed its first data-center regulations Tuesday, including a comprehensive zoning bill that bans facilities larger than 500,000 square feet and restricts their locations to heavy industrial zones at least half a mile from schools and homes. The council also approved a temporary construction moratorium through December and advanced legislation allowing eminent domain seizure of land proposed for a data center near the Nashville Zoo.

WSMV · Davidson Co., TN

Metro Council approved zoning restrictions banning the largest data centers and creating buffer zones around schools, hospitals, and zoos, along with a moratorium on new construction through December. The council also advanced the mayor's plan to acquire land next to the Nashville Zoo for public use, which could prevent DC Blox's proposed data center project.

News Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

Metro Nashville unanimously approved comprehensive data center regulations and a temporary moratorium on new development, establishing the county's first zoning framework for such projects. The legislation now goes to Mayor Freddie O'Connell for signature.

WZTV · Davidson Co., TN

Nashville's Metro Council voted Tuesday to establish new data center regulations and implement a permit moratorium through Dec. 1, while advancing Mayor Freddie O'Connell's legislation to use eminent domain to purchase property where DC Blox is developing a data center near the Nashville Zoo.

Nashville Banner · Davidson Co., TN

DC BLOX has purchased the Grassmere Park property for $23 million, but the proposed data center's fate remains uncertain as Metro Council considers new data center regulations, a temporary moratorium, permit appeals, and the city's potential eminent domain acquisition of the land.

WZTV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWKRN News 2 · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWBRC

DC Blox, a southeastern digital infrastructure company, purchased 15.7 acres of the Factory at Golden Flake campus for $2.5 million from 2nd in Building Materials, Inc. The parcel represents nearly half of the historic facility, which formerly housed Golden Flake's snack food manufacturing operations for 65 years before closure in 2023.

Bham Now

The Decatur City Council voted 4-1 Monday to reject stricter zoning regulations for data centers, maintaining looser restrictions that allow unlimited facility sizes in industrial areas and permit external power sources.

Decatur Daily

Rep. Terri Sewell cosponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would temporarily pause construction and expansion of large artificial intelligence data centers until Congress establishes federal safeguards addressing environmental impacts, energy and water consumption, labor standards, and community benefits.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (.gov)

Headline onlyCBS 42

Headline onlyWHNT.com

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Headline onlyWBRC · also at WBRC

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Headline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL

Three of four Bessemer mayoral candidates oppose the $14.5 billion Project Marvel data center, citing transparency and environmental concerns, while incumbent Mayor Kenneth Gulley supports it, citing $24 million annually for school infrastructure and $16 million annually for school administration over 30 years.

wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has cosponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would temporarily pause large data center construction and establish basic standards for water, energy, and land use. Sewell said the rapid construction of data centers is outpacing communities' ability to establish protections for areas hosting them.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL · also at AL.com

State lawmakers gathered in Morgan County to discuss the upcoming 2026 legislative session, addressing data centers, rural healthcare and education growth as key topics.

WAFF · Montgomery Co., AL · also at WAFF

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama cosponsored legislation to temporarily pause construction and expansion of large artificial intelligence data centers until Congress establishes federal safeguards. The bill would address concerns about water use, energy demands, environmental impacts, labor standards and community benefits.

WBMA · Alabama

1819 News · Alabama

Alabama's gubernatorial candidates differ on data center expansion: Tuberville supports growth citing tax revenue benefits, while Jones and lieutenant governor candidate Ensler advocate for community input and regulatory guardrails before approving projects.

WVUA 23 · Alabama

A 21-year-old Bessemer man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting on Highway 280 that critically injured another man on July 14. Rico Braxton is being held in Jefferson County Jail.

WBRC · Jefferson Co., AL

Democratic PSC Place 2 candidate Sheila McNeil is urging the Alabama Public Service Commission to protect ratepayers and ensure transparency when reviewing data center contracts with Alabama Power, calling for measurable community benefits and regional coordination in its review process.

Data Center Archives • Alabama Political Reporter · Alabama

Nebius Inc. says its $36 billion Birmingham data center in Oxmoor Valley will not expand beyond its current planned size of 300 megawatts of electrical capacity across two buildings. However, the company is actively exploring additional sites elsewhere in Alabama and across the country to meet strong demand for AI infrastructure and computing capacity.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

Nebius, a Netherlands-based AI cloud company, is constructing two data centers spanning 450,000 square feet on 75 acres in Birmingham's Oxmoor Valley neighborhood with a $36 billion investment. Company officials addressed community concerns about water usage, power consumption, and noise through enclosed systems and sound walls, while three lawsuits attempt to halt construction.

AL.com · Jefferson Co., AL

Fairfield's city council voted Monday to place a moratorium on future data center projects while studying the industry, though the proposed Patmos project remains under consideration. A town hall originally scheduled for July 28 has been rescheduled to August 12 at the Fairfield Civic Center.

wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL

Albany city commissioners are considering a moratorium on new data center applications lasting between six and 18 months while staff studies potential impacts on residents. The move follows Dougherty County's vote for a 45-day pause on such projects.

WALB · Georgia

Citizens for Rural Coweta has collected 11,440 signatures in its petition drive seeking a countywide referendum to challenge the county's decision allowing data centers as a special use in unincorporated areas. The group is about 82 percent toward its goal of 14,000 signatures and plans to seek 14,000 to 16,000 total to account for verification.

The Newnan Times-Herald · Coweta Co., GA

The Atlanta City Council tabled a proposed ordinance that would allow Digital Realty to build a $500 million data center near the West End MARTA station after southwest Atlanta neighborhoods voted against the legislation. Sponsor Councilmember Antonio Lewis requested the delay, with the vote now postponed at least until the zoning committee meets next month.

Capital B News - Atlanta · Fulton Co., GA

A federal judge questioned Jackson officials about discussions of a data center at Lake Hico, a historically significant city site. The mayor said any developer plans are premature, while the city council recently approved a six-month moratorium on new data centers and is developing regulations addressing noise, water use, and energy concerns.

tippahnews.com · Mississippi

Metro Council will hold a third and final vote Tuesday on a data center moratorium bill that would ban facilities larger than 500,000 square feet and restrict smaller ones to heavy industrial zones. The vote comes as DC Blox, which recently purchased property near the Nashville Zoo, faces potential restrictions under the new regulations.

WSMV · Davidson Co., TN

DC BLOX has completed its $23 million purchase of property at Grassmere Park Drive near Nashville Zoo, according to deed records. The acquisition comes as Metro Council prepares to vote on data center regulations and a moratorium on new development.

WZTV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWZTV · Davidson Co., TN

IndiaWest · Shelby Co., TN

DC Blox has scaled back its planned data center near Nashville Zoo, now showing only a 69,200-square-foot, 10-megawatt building on its website instead of the original two-building proposal. The company reduced its estimated capital investment from $1.9 billion to $380 million, citing community feedback as it works through project scope.

News Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

Memphis residents protested an Elon Musk AI data center project over pollution and noise concerns, sparking a nationwide backlash with 142 protests across 42 states. Cost overruns for data centers have reached $5-10 billion above initial estimates due to environmental compliance measures.

AI: Reset to Zero · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyNews Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Headline onlyWAFF

Headline onlyWREG.com

Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes Jr. revealed that Missouri-based AI infrastructure company Patmos is proposing a colocation data center in the city. The city council unanimously voted to impose a moratorium on new data center and nonprofit applications, though the ban does not apply to Patmos's current proposal.

AL.com

The $14.5 billion Project Marvel data center has become a central issue in Bessemer's August 25 mayoral runoff, with residents expressing concerns about environmental impact and transparency. Two candidates have publicly engaged with the controversy, while an August 9 forum will allow voters to question all four candidates about the project.

wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL

The Alabama News Wire · Florida

Residents of a Lowndes County neighborhood are organizing opposition to a potential data center development after property owner Pope Langdale secured a rezoning of 719 acres from residential to light manufacturing in July 2025. Developer DC Blox has been negotiating with Langdale under a non-disclosure agreement, leaving activists seeking information through town halls, records requests, and billboards highlighting concerns about water pollution, noise, and property values.

Georgia Public Broadcasting · Lowndes Co. (GA), GA

DC BLOX, an Atlanta-based company, has completed a $23 million purchase of a 23.49-acre property near the Nashville Zoo where it plans to build a data center. The Nashville Zoo has filed a zoning appeal to stop the planning and construction process.

Nashville Post · Fulton Co., GA

Headline onlyColumbus Ledger-Enquirer · Lowndes Co. (GA), GA

LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center received a five-year, $5.66 million grant renewal from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases through 2031, supporting nutrition and obesity research across Louisiana. A federal judge temporarily blocked Paramount's proposed $81 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, with a hearing scheduled for Aug. 3 on a preliminary injunction requested by 12 states led by California. BlackRock is selling over $12 billion in bonds to finance Meta's AI data center campus in El Paso, Texas, expected to open in 2028.

Baton Rouge Business Report · Louisiana

Cleco plans to build a 756-megawatt natural gas power plant to supply electricity to Applied Digital's $3.6 billion data center in Rapides Parish, which could require up to 430 megawatts. Applied Digital will fund grid connection infrastructure and transmission improvements, with Cleco projecting the agreement will provide over $700 million in net benefits to existing customers over 15 years.

Baton Rouge Business Report · Louisiana

Turner Construction is advancing Meta's $50 billion AI data center campus expansion in Richland Parish, Louisiana, which has grown to 5 gigawatts of capacity across nearly 10 million square feet. The project is expected to employ approximately 7,500 construction workers at peak and create over 1,000 permanent jobs once operational.

Construction Owners · Richland Parish, LA

Meta is expanding its Richland Parish, Louisiana data center to 5 gigawatts of capacity, expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and generate tax revenue that has enabled teacher bonuses up to $50,000 annually. The company donated $5 million to Louisiana Delta Community College for scholarships and structured the project so Meta covers energy and infrastructure costs rather than local ratepayers.

NetChoice · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlyThe Town Talk · Louisiana

Headline onlyThe Town Talk · Louisiana · also at AOL.com

North Louisiana's ten-parish region is tracking sales tax growth through a new website following Meta's data center construction project. Richland Parish collected $38.7 million in sales taxes in the first quarter of 2026, significantly higher than previous quarters, enabling teachers to receive bonuses up to $50,000.

The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Caddo Parish, LA

Headline onlyMississippi Today · Hinds Co., MS

Headline onlyWKRN News 2 · Davidson Co., TN

A 100,000-square-foot data center is nearing completion on Brick Church Pike in North Nashville. Neighbors have raised concerns about environmental impacts, water use, noise and school proximity, while Metro Council works to establish guidelines for data centers.

News Channel 5 Nashville · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Tennessee

Nashville's city council will consider data center legislation Tuesday that was amended to remove environmental protections, now allowing unlimited fossil fuel generator use during undefined "emergencies" and at the discretion of the utility company. The original version capped such use at 72 hours.

WPLN News · Davidson Co., TN

Gallatin City Council will consider a resolution Tuesday requesting the municipal planning commission evaluate a potential moratorium on data centers and provide recommendations. The city is home to a large Meta data center campus, with nearby residents reporting noise and property flooding issues.

WSMV · Sumner Co., TN

Headline onlyNashville Post · Davidson Co., TN

Nashville Metro Council will hold final votes this week on three bills addressing data centers: two would restrict noise and water usage, while a third would impose a moratorium on new Davidson County sites until December.

WTVC · Davidson Co., TN · also at WTVC, WZTV, wtvcfox

Data center company DC Blox has purchased property adjacent to the Nashville Zoo for $23 million, confirmed by the Davidson County Register of Deeds. Metro Council members and Nashville's mayor say they will pursue legislation to restrict data centers and explore using eminent domain to acquire the property for city use.

WKRN News 2 · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Tennessean · Davidson Co., TN

DC Blox completed a $23 million purchase of a 23.49-acre property near Nashville Zoo on Thursday, where it plans to build a data center project that has faced public opposition over concerns about noise affecting zoo animals and community objections.

Davidson County Source · Davidson Co., TN

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized New York's statewide pause on new data centers, calling it an easy way to avoid difficult regulatory work. He argued that local governments should evaluate individual projects based on utility costs, grid contributions, and water management rather than imposing blanket bans, as debates over data center expansion intensify in Tennessee.

Yahoo · Tennessee

Headline onlyThe Business Journals · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Fairfield will hold a public town hall on July 28 to discuss a proposed colocation data center that city officials are considering for economic development. Few details about the project have been publicly released, though the city plans to gather resident feedback before making a final decision.

Yellowhammer News

BirminghamWatch · Jefferson Co., AL

State Sen. Sam Givhan questions whether Alabama should offer tax breaks for future data centers, noting the state currently provides 20-year incentives. Givhan emphasizes that energy needs and workforce considerations should guide data center policy decisions in North Alabama.

1819 News · Madison Co., AL

Headline only11Alive.com · Georgia · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyFOX 5 Atlanta · Georgia · also at FOX 5 Atlanta

Meta is expanding its Hyperion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana, increasing its planned investment in the state to more than $50 billion. The project is expected to create over 1,000 permanent jobs and thousands of construction and indirect positions.

AOL.com · Richland Parish, LA

Turner Construction continues work on Meta's Louisiana data center campus, which has been expanded to 5 gigawatts of IT capacity across nearly 10 million square feet. The project represents over $50 billion in investment and is expected to create approximately 7,500 construction jobs at peak activity plus over 1,000 permanent operations positions.

Construction Owners · Richland Parish, LA

Residents and Save My Louisiana representatives protested Applied Digital's data center project in Boyce, citing concerns about rising utility bills, environmental impact, and non-disclosure agreements signed by local officials. Protesters called for greater government transparency and accountability.

KALB | News Channel 5 · Louisiana

xAI operated 59 unpermitted natural gas turbines at a Mississippi site powering its Memphis data center—roughly double the 27 turbines it previously disclosed. The NAACP and environmental groups sued xAI for Clean Air Act violations, with the case now pending in federal court.

MLQ.ai · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com

Birmingham residents protested at Railroad Park Saturday against a Nebius data center under construction in Oxmoor Valley, part of a nationwide effort opposing data centers. A lawsuit challenging the project's zoning compliance resumes August 12.

wvtm · Jefferson Co., AL

Pinson City Council held the first reading of an ordinance to implement a 12-month moratorium on data centers during its July 16 meeting. If approved, Pinson would join five other Alabama cities with active data center moratoriums.

AL.com · Alabama · also at AL.com

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has stated he wants Alabama to develop more data centers, dismissing public concerns about the projects as misinformation. A columnist describes impacts in Sterling, Virginia, where dozens of large data centers have transformed the landscape, noting they generate noise from gas-powered generators and create few jobs despite significant land and resource use.

AL.com · Alabama

Republican U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Democrat former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones are competing for Alabama governor, with artificial intelligence data centers emerging as a potential campaign issue as some Alabamians oppose them over environmental and infrastructure concerns.

1819 News · Alabama

A Jefferson County court will resume next month a hearing in a lawsuit challenging a hyperscale data center project in Birmingham's Oxmoor Valley neighborhood. The suit alleges the city illegally permitted the project and seeks to halt construction; a judge is weighing whether plaintiffs suffer harm and have a likely chance of winning the overall case.

WBHM · Jefferson Co., AL

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Alabama · also at MSN

Mitchell County residents gathered Saturday to sign petitions opposing data centers in the region. The petitions would allow voters to decide on a power generating facility in Baconton and a one-year moratorium on proposed data centers.

WCTV · Georgia · also at WALB

Dozens of residents gathered in Columbus on Saturday to protest Project Ruby, a proposed "hyper-scale" data center planned for rural Muscogee County. Organized by "Keep It Rural Muscogee County," protesters expressed concerns about the facility's potential impact on local infrastructure and community benefits.

WTVM.com · Georgia

Headline onlyFOX 5 Atlanta · Fulton Co., GA · also at FOX 5 Atlanta

Headline onlyWMAZ · Houston Co., GA

A Georgia family sold their home to Georgia Power rather than face seizure through eminent domain after the utility company decided to build a transmission line for new AI data centers. The utility says it worked to negotiate in good faith, while the family's mother characterized the land acquisition as theft by a billion-dollar company from people unable to fight back.

Futurism · Georgia

Early County, Georgia commissioners unanimously approved new data center regulations requiring water-saving cooling systems, noise limits, and 1,000-foot setbacks from homes, schools, and churches, following resident concerns about water use, noise, and pollution from a proposed facility.

The Cool Down · Georgia · also at Yahoo

Opponents of rapid data center expansion plan coordinated protests Saturday in at least 125 U.S. locations, organized by grassroots group HumansFirst. Protesters cite concerns about power consumption, water use, pollution and lack of community input in project approvals.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser · Fayette Co., GA

Multiple states are facing landowner disputes as utilities propose transmission lines to serve data center developments. The projects in Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana involve eminent domain concerns, with utilities arguing the lines support broader grid needs while some landowners contend they primarily serve individual data center customers.

Newsweek · Georgia

simplywall.st · Louisiana

Headline onlyLivingston Parish News · Louisiana · also at 10/12 Industry Report

Headline onlyMSN · Louisiana

Headline onlyThe Cool Down · Hinds Co., MS · also at Yahoo, MSN

xAI installed 59 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center site without federal clean air permits, according to Reuters review of internal regulatory correspondence. The turbines' emissions could exceed Clean Air Act thresholds and pose health risks to nearby predominantly Black communities with already elevated rates of lung disease.

The Cool Down · Shelby Co., TN

Headline onlyFOX5 Vegas · Davidson Co., TN · also at WSMV, WSMV, WTOC

Headline onlyWSMV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyLowndes Signal

Headline onlyCBS 42

Headline onlyFOX 5 Atlanta

Headline onlyYahoo · Jefferson Co., AL

State Rep. Rex Reynolds expressed skepticism about a potential statewide moratorium on data centers, arguing that individual communities should decide based on their economic needs rather than a blanket restriction affecting the entire state.

1819 News · Madison Co., AL

Mobile Baykeeper held a public meeting in Fairhope to present smart growth recommendations for Baldwin County, including policies on infrastructure, stormwater control, wetland protections, and restrictions on solar and data center projects on undisturbed land.

1819 News · Mobile Co., AL

Fairfield, Alabama officials announced a proposed colocation data center project and will hold a town hall meeting later this month to discuss details. Mayor Herman Carnes, Jr. emphasized the distinction between colocation and hyperscale data center facilities in a letter to residents.

Data Center Dynamics · Jefferson Co., AL

Yellowhammer News · Alabama

Headline onlyWBRC · Jefferson Co., AL

Headline onlywvtm · Jefferson Co., AL

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Alabama

Headline onlyWBRC · Alabama

Headline onlyWALB · Georgia

Headline onlyFOX 5 Atlanta · Clayton Co., GA

Headline onlyclaytoncountyga.gov · Clayton Co., GA

Headline onlyAlbany Herald · Georgia

Headline onlyCoStar · Fulton Co., GA

Headline onlyAOL.com · Georgia

Headline onlyAOL.com · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlythelensnola.org · Richland Parish, LA

Headline onlytippahnews.com · Mississippi

Headline onlyWSMV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWREG.com · Shelby Co., TN · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyWREG.com · Shelby Co., TN · also at AOL.com

Headline onlyData Center Dynamics · Hamilton Co., TN

Headline onlyAOL.com · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyThe Tech Buzz · Shelby Co., TN

Mobile County commissioners said they lack authority to halt a proposed $6 billion data center in North Mobile County, citing the county's absence of zoning power. Residents opposed to the Beacon Data Centers project urged a moratorium, while commissioners suggested they could seek legislative action to address the issue.

AL.com

Headline onlyYellowhammer News

Headline onlyWBRC

Headline onlyrocketcitynow.com · Alabama

Headline onlyYellowhammer News · Alabama

Headline onlyYellowhammer News · Alabama

Headline onlyWVUA 23 · Alabama

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society sued the City of Birmingham and Nebius data center developers, challenging whether city and company officials followed zoning laws in approving a 300-megawatt AI facility planned 1,200 feet from GBHS's animal care campus in Oxmoor Valley.

1819 News · Jefferson Co., AL

Headline onlyMSN · Jefferson Co., AL

Headline onlyWALB · Georgia

Headline onlyIowa Public Radio · Mississippi

Headline onlyMagnolia Tribune · Mississippi

Headline onlyCBS News · Mississippi

Headline onlyWPLN News · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyCNBC · Shelby Co., TN · also at MSN, MSN, MSN

Headline onlyAOL.com · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyWTVC · Tennessee

Headline onlyThe Week · Davidson Co., TN · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyWSMV · Davidson Co., TN

Headline onlyLocal 3 News

Headline only1819 News

Headline onlyAL.com

Headline onlyAOL.com · Alabama · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyAL.com · Alabama

Headline only1819 News · Alabama

Headline onlyWKRG · Alabama · also at AOL.com, CBS 42, CBS 42

Headline onlyTuscaloosa Thread · Tuscaloosa Co., AL

Headline onlyYellowhammer News · Alabama

Headline onlyAL.com · Alabama

Headline onlyCBS 42 · Alabama · also at AOL.com, Yahoo, CBS 42

Headline onlyWBRC · Alabama · also at WSFA

Headline onlyCBS 42 · Alabama · also at Yahoo

Headline onlyConstruction Review · Alabama

Headline onlyWTVY · Georgia

Headline onlywvtm · Jefferson Co., AL · also at MSN

Headline onlyYahoo · Alabama