[Industry Event] Advancing Data Center Construction East 2026

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• Oct 30
  LAWSUIT·Jefferson Co., AL

  Judge releases shell company from suit over Birmingham data center

  A judge dismissed a shell company from a lawsuit over a Birmingham data center construction project Wednesday, finding it couldn't be held legally responsible for zoning decisions or construction nuisances. The judge also dismissed three of eight counts against the remaining defendants while keeping residents' primary challenges to the project's permits alive for trial in March.

  WBHM · Jefferson Co., AL
• Oct 30
  MORATORIUM·Louisiana

  Gov. Landry tightens tax break rules for data centers amid ratepayer, grid concerns

  Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development announced new requirements for data center companies seeking tax breaks, including commitments to prevent increased ratepayer costs, strengthen grid reliability, and invest in local workforces. The exemption program will now be invitation-only for companies making significant long-term commitments to the state.

  WBRZ · Louisiana
• Oct 30
  MORATORIUM·Louisiana

  Louisiana adds stipulations to data center tax breaks, but opponents say specifics are needed

  Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced new stipulations for data center tax breaks, including requirements that companies demonstrate commitment to preventing rate increases, strengthening grid reliability, protecting natural resources, and investing in local workforces. Critics argue the framework lacks specific details on job requirements and funding levels needed to qualify for the invitation-only exemption program.

  WBRZ · Louisiana
• Oct 30
  UTILITIES·Louisiana

  They Were Called 'Data Centers.' Now, Jeff Landry Calls Them ‘Digital Factories.'

  Louisiana's administration announced new requirements Thursday for data center developers seeking the state's sales tax exemption, including detailed attestations covering workforce investment, grid reliability, and community contributions. The state will rename data centers "digital factories," and companies must invest at least $200 million between July 2024 and July 2029 while creating at least 50 permanent jobs.

  96.5 KPEL · Louisiana
• Oct 29
  MORATORIUM·Madison Co., AL

  In a Rare Statewide Debate, Alabama Candidates Spar Over Data Centers, Utility Rates

  State Rep. Phillip Ensler, a Democrat, and former Republican Party Chairman John Wahl debated data centers and utility rates in Alabama's first major-party statewide debate since 2010. Ensler proposed a moratorium on new data center construction, citing resident concerns about transparency and rising electricity prices, while Wahl called data centers "a necessary evil" that must be implemented responsibly.

  Inside Climate News · Madison Co., AL
• Oct 29
  MORATORIUM·Hillsborough Co., FL

  Tampa AI Data Center Moratorium Advances at City Council

  Tampa City Council directed staff to stop processing new AI data center applications, advancing a proposal that could reshape how the city regulates the industry. The council has not yet adopted a formal moratorium ordinance and will consider a resolution at its Nov. 5 meeting, with public hearings scheduled for December and January.

  Hoodline · Hillsborough Co., FL
• Oct 29
  NEWS·Duval Co., FL

  JEA faces massive power requests from data centers eyeing Jacksonville

  Headline onlyNews4JAX · Duval Co., FL
• Oct 29
  MORATORIUM·Florida

  Democrat Victor Arias backs data center moratorium in Florida's US District 19 race

  Democratic candidate Victor Arias, running in Florida's U.S. District 19, supports a data center moratorium to allow public education on their impacts. Arias emphasized priorities including unity, economic relief, environmental protection, and Social Security in his campaign interview.

  Gulf Coast News and Weather · Florida
• Oct 29
  MORATORIUM·Effingham Co., GA

  Southeast Georgia confronts data center wave

  Southeast Georgia cities are receiving data center development inquiries following OpenAI's announced $20 billion Effingham County project. Communities across Bulloch, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty counties are implementing moratoriums and developing ordinances to regulate data center development, with concerns about water infrastructure and power grid vulnerability.

  Statesboro Herald · Effingham Co., GA
• Oct 29
  VOTE·Fulton Co., GA

  Georgia PSC Election Could Reshape Data Center Boom

  Georgia voters will decide two Public Service Commission seats on November 3, 2026, in a race that could reshape how the state handles data center expansion. The election outcome may determine whether Democrats gain their first three-member majority on the five-member board in three decades, with control potentially affecting electricity rates and grid expansion decisions amid a data center pipeline involving more than 100 operational facilities and 119 additional planned projects.

  Hoodline · Fulton Co., GA
• Oct 29
  UTILITIES·Richland Parish, LA

  Jeff Landry wants to rename data centers ‘digital factories.’ Here’s why.

  Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced Thursday he will rebrand data centers as "digital factories" and attach new requirements to a sales tax exemption for the facilities, including partnerships with universities and community commitments, as voter sentiment turns against AI data center development.

  The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate · Richland Parish, LA
• Oct 29
  ZONING·Mississippi

  Mississippi Auditor Investigates Town of Walls Data Center Dispute

  Mississippi's state auditor has opened an investigation into Walls following allegations, though the inquiry's subject and any connection to a contentious rezoning dispute remain unclear. The investigation coincides with residents' opposition to a rezoning request for over 1,000 acres of farmland that could potentially accommodate a data center.

  Hoodline · Mississippi