Alabama lawmakers to seek 'middle ground' on data center development
State Representative Danny Garrett stated that Alabama lawmakers will likely seek a "middle ground" on data center development during the 2027 legislative session, balancing AI growth, national security, and property rights. This comes as data centers become a contentious issue statewide, with some cities enacting temporary development pauses and a proposed statewide moratorium from one gubernatorial candidate.
State Representative Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), chairman of the House Education Trust Fund budget committee, indicated that Alabama lawmakers are inclined to find a "middle ground" regarding data center development. Speaking on "The Jeff Poor Show," Garrett underscored the inevitability of artificial intelligence's growth and the necessity for robust domestic computing infrastructure for national security, arguing against storing such vital data overseas. He anticipates extensive legislative discussions during the 2027 session, aiming for a balanced approach between unrestricted development and outright rejection of new projects.
The expansion of data centers has emerged as a significant point of contention across Alabama. Several cities have already implemented temporary pauses on new data center construction to formulate additional local regulations. Politically, Republican gubernatorial nominee U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) supports continued development, citing the demand for AI capacity and potential tax benefits. Conversely, Democrat nominee Doug Jones has advocated for a one-year statewide moratorium on new approvals to allow for the establishment of more comprehensive protections for ratepayers, communities, and natural resources.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has also called for a nuanced solution, rejecting both a complete moratorium and ubiquitous data center placement. Garrett's remarks suggest that the debate will continue to be a prominent issue, with state legislators expected to focus on how Alabama will regulate future data center development upon their return to Montgomery next year.