Somerville Town Council enacts 18-month data center moratorium amidst bitcoin mining dispute
The Somerville Town Council approved an 18-month moratorium on data centers within city limits following community pushback against a proposed bitcoin mining facility. Mayor Darren Tuck stated this pause allows leaders to study potential impacts and address the lack of zoning laws. The Morgan County Commission also passed a resolution to halt data center proposals throughout the county.
The Somerville Town Council in Alabama has approved an 18-month moratorium on data centers within town limits, effective July 7, 2026. This decision follows weeks of community pushback and petitions regarding a proposed bitcoin mining facility near Union Road.
Mayor Darren Tuck explained that the pause grants community leaders time to study the potential impacts of data center projects before making future decisions. He highlighted that a primary reason for the moratorium is the current lack of zoning laws in Somerville, which prevents the town from regulating new construction.
Residents have expressed concerns over potential light and noise pollution, as well as long-term health effects associated with data centers. This local action comes after the Morgan County Commission, last week, also passed a resolution to halt data center proposals throughout the county in areas where zoning laws are already in place.