Foley considers 6-month moratorium on data centers
Foley leaders are considering a six-month moratorium on applications for data centers and similar high-demand operations. The proposed pause aims to give the city time to proactively review and update its zoning and environmental ordinances, as well as consider utility policies. Mayor Ralph Hellmich stated there are no pending data center proposals in Foley, and the City Council could vote on the moratorium on September 21.
Foley, Alabama, leaders are actively considering a six-month moratorium on applications for data centers, server farms, cryptocurrency-mining facilities, and other operations with high electrical demand or water consumption. Mayor Ralph Hellmich clarified that no data center proposals are currently pending in Foley, and no company has filed an application with the city. The proposed moratorium is a proactive measure to allow the city time to ensure its rules and ordinances are adequate for potential future developments.
Mayor Hellmich indicated that while Riviera Utilities already has policies to prevent major new users from increasing power costs for existing customers, the city needs to determine if its zoning and environmental protection ordinances should be revised to address concerns such as noise and water use. The Foley City Council is expected to vote on the moratorium at its September 21 meeting. The article also references that Prichard, another local city, recently enacted a similar six-month moratorium in response to a proposed $93 million data center by Edged Energy.