Birmingham passes data center ordinance after hour-long public hearing

News Clip2:36WVTM 13 News·Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL·6/9/2026

The Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance regulating data centers following an hours-long public hearing. Residents largely opposed the ordinance, deeming it a watered-down version that failed to adequately protect the environment and omitted crucial provisions like public hearings and noise limits. The ordinance sets conditions for water usage, on-site power generation, and location.

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Gov: Birmingham City Council

The Birmingham City Council recently passed an ordinance to regulate data centers, an action that followed an extensive public hearing lasting several hours. Despite the council's approval, hundreds of residents who attended the meeting expressed significant dissatisfaction, believing the ordinance was insufficient.

Lisa Crane of WVTM 13 News reported that no one she spoke with was pleased with the outcome, as many felt the ordinance was a