Morgan County says it cannot stop proposed data center
Morgan County officials admit that a one-year moratorium approved by the County Commission against data centers is unenforceable due to a lack of zoning laws. The bitcoin mining company, Sovereign Gazelle, is proceeding with plans and exploring options for underground electrical lines for its proposed 50-megawatt facility near Somerville.
The Morgan County Commission in Alabama approved a one-year moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas, but county officials, including Attorney David Langston and Chairman Ray Long, concede it is unenforceable due to the county's lack of zoning laws. Langston explained that the moratorium was primarily a symbolic gesture to support community opposition, acknowledging the county's limited power to halt such projects.
Despite the moratorium, Sovereign Gazelle, a bitcoin mining company, is moving forward with its plans for a 50-megawatt data center near Somerville. The company, an affiliate of Texas-based Sovereign Global Solutions Inc. and linked to Kevin Mohan, CEO, is now exploring the feasibility of placing electrical lines underground. This comes after initial attempts to secure rights-of-way for 75-foot utility poles faced resident opposition. Joe Wheeler EMC has been in preliminary discussions with the county regarding potential electrical routes, though no permit applications have been submitted.
Preliminary work, including utility-location marking, is underway at the proposed 15-acre site on Union Road, purchased in 2025. Carl Cole, representing Sovereign Gazelle, echoed the county's view on the moratorium's unenforceability and suggested that misinformation about data centers contributes to community concerns. He affirmed the company's desire to be a good community partner while noting its legal right to proceed with development.