‘No authority’: Helpless on data centers, Alabama counties caution against industry-specific zoning

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• Sep 7
  NEWS·Montgomery Co., AL

  The danger for the Alabama GOP in the data center issue | BRIAN LYMAN

  Headline onlyMontgomery Advertiser · Montgomery Co., AL · also at The Tuscaloosa News
• Sep 7
  NEWS·Georgia

  First National Community Bank Headlines: $1B data center proposed in Kingston area

  The Rome News-Tribune · Georgia
• Sep 6
  ZONING·Jefferson Co., AL

  Birmingham Weighs Data Center Rules With Power Limits

  Birmingham Township supervisors will hold a public hearing Sept. 8 on a proposed ordinance that would allow data centers in two commercial zoning districts under conditional-use approval, subject to restrictions on noise, water consumption, power generation, setbacks, and emergency planning.

  MyChesCo · Jefferson Co., AL
• Sep 6
  NEWS·Polk Co., FL

  State law on data centers doesn't apply to Lakeland Electric (Voice)

  Headline onlyWinter Haven News Chief · Polk Co., FL · also at Lakeland Ledger
• Sep 6
  MORATORIUM·Florida

  NORTH PORT: Water officials, others present at data center meeting; residents remain skeptical

  North Port held an informational workshop on data centers featuring speakers from the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority and the Florida Digital Infrastructure and Security Alliance. Dozens of residents attended, with most opposing data centers and some voicing concerns about water usage, energy consumption and environmental impacts.

  yoursun.com · Florida
• Sep 6
  MORATORIUM·Walker Co. (GA), GA

  Walker County committee weighs potential data center rules amid new facility moratorium

  Walker County's data center regulatory committee held its first meeting while a moratorium remains in place. Over 40 attendees discussed potential regulations including water cooling systems, utility rates, sound monitoring, and increased setbacks between commercial and residential properties.

  Chattanooga Times Free Press · Walker Co. (GA), GA
• Sep 6
  NEWS·Georgia

  Data center backlash and a mayor in hot water

  Headline onlyFOX 5 Atlanta · Georgia
• Sep 6
  NEWS·Richland Parish, LA

  We opened a taco shop because Meta is building an AI data center nearby. Now 40% of our business is tied to it.

  Holy Tacos, opened in Rayville, Louisiana in April 2025, attributes approximately 40% of its monthly business to Meta's nearby AI data center construction, including catering orders to man camps that range from $4,000 to $7,000. The restaurant's owners say the data center has revitalized the declining community, though construction has brought dust and noise to nearby Holly Ridge.

  Business Insider · Richland Parish, LA
• Sep 6
  NEWS·Shelby Co., TN

  WMU: Google Data Center will not impact customer utility bills

  West Memphis Utilities clarified that its customers will not face bill increases due to Google's data center project, as Google bears financial responsibility for the utility infrastructure required to serve the facility.

  jonesborosun.com · Shelby Co., TN
• Sep 5
  ZONING·Paulding Co., GA

  Residents concerned Calhoun city attorney has conflict of interest on data centers

  Headline onlyChattanooga Times Free Press · Paulding Co., GA
• Sep 5
  MORATORIUM·Effingham Co., GA

  Warnock Calls for Data Center Moratorium After Visiting Open AI Sit

  U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock called for a statewide moratorium on data center construction after visiting OpenAI's proposed 3.2-gigawatt facility in Effingham County, citing residents' concerns about utility costs, water consumption, and pollution. Warnock cited lack of transparency in negotiations between communities and data center corporations.

  wrganews.com · Effingham Co., GA
• Sep 5
  NEWS·Walker Co. (GA), GA

  Walker County committee weighs rules for data center growth

  Walker County's new Data Center Development Standards Study Committee is developing regulations for data center expansion, addressing power, water, setbacks, and tax incentives. The county currently has no ordinances specifically regulating data centers in unincorporated areas.

  The Rome News-Tribune · Walker Co. (GA), GA