Data center opposition is forging unlikely bipartisan alliances in Alabama
Residents of Brookwood, Alabama, including members of both major political parties, are opposing a proposed Applied Digital data center project over concerns about noise, heat, pollution, runoff and effects on local utilities. Brookwood officials support the development, rezoned residential land and approved a $314.5 million tax break, while Applied Digital awaits permits to begin construction.
Residents in Brookwood, Alabama, are forming a bipartisan opposition movement against a proposed data center campus, citing potential impacts on air temperature, noise, water quality, runoff and a nearby creek. University of Alabama student Thatcher Rotenberry and resident Rachael Schaffer are among those challenging the project and questioning the transparency of local officials.
Applied Digital employee Nick Phillips said the company’s $3.2 billion project would use forested buffers, would not raise utility rates and would truck any removed coolant off site. Mayor Joe Barger said there is only one active Brookwood project, despite residents’ claims that as many as three may be planned. The city rezoned land in September and later approved a $314.5 million tax break for data center construction; Applied Digital said it is awaiting permit approval before starting construction.