Britt stakes out middle ground on Alabama data centers, rejects moratorium and ‘every corner’ approach
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt advocates for a middle-ground approach to data center development in Alabama, rejecting both unrestricted growth and blanket moratoriums. She emphasizes local community control, the need for increased computing capacity to compete with China, and protecting ratepayers from bearing the costs of new power infrastructure. Her stance contrasts with other Alabama political leaders who are more divided on the issue.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt has taken a nuanced stance on data center development in Alabama, arguing for a middle-ground approach that prioritizes local community decision-making while rejecting both widespread development and state-wide moratoriums. In an interview with Alabama Daily News, Britt emphasized the need for communities to weigh potential tax revenue against power demands and other economic opportunities.
Britt's position comes amidst a division among Alabama political leaders regarding the state's pursuit of data center development. While Republican gubernatorial nominee U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville supports continued development for economic growth, Democratic nominee Doug Jones has proposed a one-year statewide moratorium to allow for the development of additional regulations.
Sen. Britt has consistently highlighted the importance of increasing U.S. computing capacity for global competitiveness, particularly with China. She also insists that technology companies, rather than ordinary utility customers, should cover the costs of new power infrastructure required for data centers. Earlier this year, Britt pressed Energy Secretary Chris Wright on protecting Alabama ratepayers as electricity demand increases and has backed President Donald Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge on this matter.