Data Centers Emerge As Unexpected Election Flashpoint
Alabama Republican politicians and many of their backers support the construction of controversial data centers across the state. But that has put them in conflict with many of their neighbors.
A Cygnal poll conducted earlier this year of people who said they are likely to vote found that 25% said the high-tech centers are bad for Alabama, while 22% voiced support. 37% had mixed feelings.
Party leaders like GOP gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville see the massive facilities, like the one planned near Brookwood, as a source of investment, significant tax revenue, jobs, and economic growth. However, many traditional Republican backers worry about electricity use, water consumption, tax incentives, and local control. Many have issues with non-disclosure agreements between data center developers and local officials that have reduced transparency, leaving local citizens mostly in the dark about plans.
Early on, Tuberville aggressively attacked those opposed to the huge Information processing centers. More recently, he has shifted somewhat, saying he still welcomes data centers but wants them to pay the full cost of utilities, receive no tax incentives, and face greater local oversight and community input.
Tuberville still considers them essential, but his Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, has read the tea leaves and emerged as an outspoken critic. He says he does not oppose data centers but wants a one-year moratorium on them to study their impact on communities.
Last night at a Mobile County Republican Party event, Alabama's other U.S. Senator Katie Britt, who is not up for reelection this year, acknowledged both sides of the issue but also voiced President Trump and Sen. Tuberville's positions claiming China is spreading disinformation about data centers..
“Guys, you don’t want our greatest adversary having capabilities that we do not. So we have to do that (build data centers), but I think we also have to do that in a very smart and measured way,” Britt said.
The freshman senator went on to describe her position on the issue, “What we have to understand is what’s good for one community may not be good for another, and that’s why I reject that we have to have a moratorium across the country because for some communities, this is the right pathway forward. And I also don’t believe that we should put one in every corner.”
When Alabamians cast ballots on November 3rd, data centers will likely be a major issue, especially in areas where they are already operational, under construction, or in the planning stage. Yet education, the economy, taxes, gasoline prices, and cost-of-living concerns will likely be the biggest concerns.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker