Alabama manufacturing needs AI, data centers and reliable power
Former Alabama state representative Perry O. Hooper Jr. argues that data centers, artificial intelligence and reliable electricity are essential to the state’s future manufacturing economy. He urges Alabama to expand digital infrastructure and power capacity rather than impose a moratorium on data center development.
In an opinion article, former Alabama state representative Perry O. Hooper Jr. contends that modern manufacturing increasingly depends on artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing and data centers. He argues that Alabama’s efforts to recruit automobile, aerospace and other advanced manufacturers must be paired with investments in reliable, affordable electricity, transmission, generation and digital infrastructure.
Hooper says a moratorium on data center construction would send the wrong signal to manufacturers considering Alabama. Citing U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s support for advancing data centers while protecting ratepayers and requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs, Hooper calls for an integrated state strategy linking power, computing capacity and industrial development.