Tuberville Inches Away from Data Centers in Column Calling for More Local Input
Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Alabama, has shifted his stance on data center development, now advocating for greater local control and full taxation of these facilities. This change comes after widespread public opposition and a proposal from his Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, for a one-year moratorium on data center construction. Tuberville previously dismissed concerns but now acknowledges fears about rising power bills and urges developers to be more transparent.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville has adjusted his previously aggressive support for data center development in Alabama, now advocating for increased local control and full taxation of such projects. This shift follows growing bipartisan concern and public opposition across the state, including in communities like Brookwood in Tuscaloosa County, where Applied Digital plans a large data center.
Tuberville, a one-term U.S. senator, initially argued for rapid data center expansion, dismissing critics' concerns as foreign propaganda. He highlighted Alabama's need to remain competitive in the AI race, stating data centers are "inevitable and critical." However, after receiving a $25,000 donation from Applied Digital and observing widespread community objections, he has adopted a more conciliatory approach.
His Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, has consistently supported a one-year moratorium on data center development for further study, a proposal that has gained political traction. Polling data suggests 70% of Alabamians desire more regulation or outright oppose data centers, aligning with national trends. Tuberville now acknowledges fears about rising power bills and states that communities have been too generous with tax abatements for hyperscale data centers.
In an opinion piece titled "My Game Plan for Data Centers," Tuberville pledged that if elected governor, he would empower communities to reject data centers and place them in the state's highest property tax bracket. He proposed that a $12 billion data center project, with no abatements and full taxation, could generate over $150 million in property taxes in its first year, emphasizing that developers must pay full taxes, cover energy costs, and replace resources used.