Alabama Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes New Data Center Regulations
Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville proposes a new policy for data centers, demanding they pay full taxes, cover all infrastructure and energy costs, and replace consumed resources without relying on taxpayer-funded incentives. He advocates for local communities to have the final say on data center projects and plans to classify data centers in the state's highest property-tax bracket. Tuberville argues Alabama's abundant resources negate the need for incentives, aiming to benefit state residents directly.
Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville outlined his "game plan" for data centers, advocating for an end to tax abatements and incentives commonly offered to Big Tech. Tuberville stated that if elected governor, data centers seeking to operate in Alabama must pay full taxes, cover the total cost of energy and infrastructure, and replace consumed power and water capacity. He proposes placing data centers in the state's highest property-tax bracket to generate revenue for schools, law enforcement, and tax cuts for families.
Tuberville emphasized local control, asserting that communities should decide if a data center project is right for them, and his administration would respect local rejections. He committed to ensuring Alabama Power rates remain frozen for residents and that data centers either build their own power generation or contribute to a fund expanding the state's energy capacity.
Contrasting his approach with an unnamed opponent, "D.C. Doug," whom he claims advocates for a moratorium or continued tax giveaways, Tuberville argued that Alabama possesses abundant land, energy, and water resources, making it unnecessary to incentivize companies. He cited Huntsville's tech growth and Alabama's energy and water richness as evidence of the state's capacity to attract tech investment on its own terms, aiming for Alabama to lead in AI development.