Applied Digital

Data Center Signal is tracking 93 clips about Applied Digital data center developments across 8 states, including ND, LA, AL, SD, MN.

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93Clips
8States

States

Topics

government85%
electricity60%
environmental55%
opposition54%
zoning40%
announcement38%
water30%
moratorium28%
legal10%
WBRC requests records connected to proposed data center development in Brookwood
News ClipWBRC·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

WBRC requests records connected to proposed data center development in Brookwood

WBRC filed a public records request with the City of Brookwood regarding a proposed 2-million-square-foot data center by Applied Digital. Documents indicate rezoning activities involving Evolve Energy Partners and Alawest, AL, LLC for the site. Mayor Joe Barger confirmed the proposed AI data center and defended signing an NDA through the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority.

9/8/2026
Opinion: Data center opposition growing, politicians dismiss concerns
News ClipInForum·Harwood, Cass County, ND

Opinion: Data center opposition growing, politicians dismiss concerns

Public opinion against data centers is growing nationally, with polls showing significant opposition, especially regarding energy and water consumption. North Dakota Republicans are criticized for dismissing these concerns as uninformed. Applied Digital's 280-megawatt data center near Harwood, North Dakota, is cited as an example of ongoing development.

9/5/2026
Tuberville Inches Away from Data Centers in Column Calling for More Local Input
News ClipTuscaloosa Thread·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Tuberville Inches Away from Data Centers in Column Calling for More Local Input

Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican gubernatorial nominee in Alabama, has shifted his stance on data center development, now advocating for greater local control and full taxation of these facilities. This change comes after widespread public opposition and a proposal from his Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, for a one-year moratorium on data center construction. Tuberville previously dismissed concerns but now acknowledges fears about rising power bills and urges developers to be more transparent.

9/4/2026
News Clipaberdeennews.com·ND

North Dakota governor fights bill on nondisclosure agreements

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong is opposing a bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 2406, which aims to restrict public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) with developers, including data center companies. The governor argues the bill, without his proposed amendment, could hinder economic development and that existing open records laws are sufficient. Supporters of the bill contend it adds necessary enforcement mechanisms and transparency.

9/4/2026
Brookwood Mayor Gives Fiery Defense of Data Centers at Town Hall
News ClipTuscaloosa Thread·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Brookwood Mayor Gives Fiery Defense of Data Centers at Town Hall

Brookwood, Alabama, held a contentious town hall meeting where residents questioned Mayor Joe Barger and the City Council about three proposed data center projects. Concerns centered on proximity to a middle school, environmental impact on Hurricane Creek, noise, and electricity costs. A council vote on rezoning for one project is scheduled for September 15.

9/3/2026
N.D. data center nondisclosure bill lacks support in committee
News ClipThe Mighty 790 KFGO·Bismarck, Burleigh County, ND

N.D. data center nondisclosure bill lacks support in committee

A North Dakota legislative committee has recommended rejecting Senate Bill 2406, a bill aimed at adding penalties for data center developers entering nondisclosure agreements with public agencies. Although an amendment was adopted to clarify state agencies' ability to use confidentiality agreements, the committee voted against the bill, citing its complexity. The bill will now proceed to the full Senate with a do-not-pass recommendation.

9/3/2026
North Dakota committee reviews data center impacts, zoning, and state policy
News Clipvalleynewslive.com·Bismarck, Burleigh County, ND

North Dakota committee reviews data center impacts, zoning, and state policy

A North Dakota committee convened to review the statewide impacts of data center growth, focusing on grid effects, regulatory frameworks, and environmental concerns. Experts shared insights on economic benefits and resource usage, while residents voiced concerns during a public comment period. The committee is set to meet again in October 2026 to continue its evaluation.

9/2/2026
Tuberville Gets $25K From Developer Tied to Brookwood Project
News ClipWBMA·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Tuberville Gets $25K From Developer Tied to Brookwood Project

Applied Digital Corporation, a company connected to a proposed large-scale industrial development near Brookwood, Alabama, contributed $25,000 to Senator Tommy Tuberville's campaign. Tuberville has publicly advocated for data center development in Alabama. The Brookwood City Council is holding a public meeting to discuss proposed economic development projects in the area, amidst community concerns about data centers.

9/1/2026
North Dakota committee examines data center impacts
News ClipInForum·Harwood, Cass County, ND

North Dakota committee examines data center impacts

North Dakota's AI and Data Center Committee convened in Bismarck to review the state's approach to data center growth. Discussions with experts and local officials covered topics such as local siting authority, energy demands, and environmental regulations. Lawmakers anticipate using these discussions to inform future legislation regarding data center development requirements.

9/1/2026
Data center debate heats up ahead of special session
News ClipThe Mighty 790 KFGO·Bismarck, Burleigh County, ND

Data center debate heats up ahead of special session

North Dakota is facing a heated debate ahead of a special legislative session concerning new data center developments. Two bills proposed by Senator Tim Mathern include a moratorium on new A.I. data centers and a ban on non-disclosure agreements for public officials. Amendments also aim to eliminate sales tax exemptions for data center equipment, which critics argue is a costly break for out-of-state corporations.

8/31/2026
Data Center impacts discussed at Harwood public forum
News ClipValley News Live·Harwood, Cass County, ND

Data Center impacts discussed at Harwood public forum

Vern Thompson, a candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, shared his platform on data centers at a public forum in Harwood, N.D. His platform proposes a one-year statewide moratorium on new data center permits and a ban on public officials signing NDAs regarding data centers. Applied Digital, currently building an AI data center near Harwood, was invited to the forum.

8/29/2026
Tuberville Gets $25,000 from Data Center Developer With Land in Brookwood
News ClipTuscaloosa Thread·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Tuberville Gets $25,000 from Data Center Developer With Land in Brookwood

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is facing criticism for a $25,000 campaign donation from Applied Digital Corporation, a data center developer with land in Brookwood, Alabama. Tuberville champions data center development, dismissing environmental concerns, while his political opponents advocate for a moratorium due to public concerns over noise and energy usage. A public meeting is scheduled in Brookwood for citizens to discuss the potential project.

8/28/2026
Where North Dakota’s data centers stand: 26 facilities tracked statewide
News ClipValley News Live·Morton County, ND

Where North Dakota’s data centers stand: 26 facilities tracked statewide

Morton County's Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of a revised data center ordinance, which now moves to the County Commission for a final vote on September 10. The county's existing data center moratorium remains in place, while North Dakota as a whole continues to see significant data center development with 26 tracked facilities across the state.

8/27/2026
NDAs are hiding data center deals, drawing ire from locals — and attention from lawmakers
News ClipWTJX Newsfeed·Boyce, Rapides County, LA

NDAs are hiding data center deals, drawing ire from locals — and attention from lawmakers

Local residents in Boyce, Louisiana, are expressing strong opposition and distrust after negotiations for a 300-acre data center by Applied Digital Corp. were hidden behind nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). The project, named Delta Forge 1, is now under construction despite public outcry over a lack of transparency and concerns about environmental, water, and power impacts. This situation has drawn attention from lawmakers nationwide, with several states proposing bans on such NDAs and Pennsylvania already enacting a ban for agencies it oversees.

8/27/2026
NDAs are hiding data center deals, drawing ire from locals — and attention from lawmakers - Oregon Public Broadcasting
News ClipOPB·Boyce, Rapides County, LA

NDAs are hiding data center deals, drawing ire from locals — and attention from lawmakers - Oregon Public Broadcasting

A data center project by Applied Digital in Boyce, Louisiana, is facing local opposition due to nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that shielded negotiations from the public. While the project is underway, the widespread use of NDAs in data center deals across the country is drawing attention from lawmakers, with Pennsylvania banning their use by state agencies and other states proposing similar legislation. Residents are also concerned about the project's impact on local environment, water and power resources.

8/27/2026
Data centers in North Dakota have received millions in sales tax breaks
News ClipThe Mighty 790 KFGO·ND

Data centers in North Dakota have received millions in sales tax breaks

North Dakota data centers have received tens of millions of dollars in state sales tax breaks in recent years, prompting legislative scrutiny. A state committee heard reports on the growth of these exemptions and potential future discussions regarding incentives. Lawmakers are also set to consider a bill to temporarily ban nondisclosure agreements for industrial projects.

8/27/2026
Port: Stepson of official in data center scuffle launched a news website reporting on data centers
News ClipInForum·Oliver County, ND

Port: Stepson of official in data center scuffle launched a news website reporting on data centers

Oliver County, North Dakota, is embroiled in controversy regarding data center developments, intensified by a conflict of interest involving State's Attorney Patrick Waters. His stepson, Daniel Lamers, launched "The 701 Report," a website reporting on data centers, leading to accusations of impropriety and aggressive exchanges with a reporter. This situation highlights the intense scrutiny public servants face amid the ongoing data center debate in the region.

8/27/2026
North Dakota Legislature Urged to Address Data Center Development
News ClipGrand Forks Herald·Harwood, Cass County, ND

North Dakota Legislature Urged to Address Data Center Development

North Dakota is experiencing a boom in data center development, exemplified by a 900-acre Applied Digital facility near Harwood. While these projects bring economic benefits, they also raise concerns about water usage, power consumption, and environmental impact. The Grand Forks Herald editorial board urges the North Dakota Legislature to establish new rules and guidance for data center oversight, lamenting that a proposed moratorium was not included in an upcoming special session.

8/22/2026
Records Tie Third Data Center Developer to Hundreds of Acres in Brookwood
News ClipTuscaloosa Thread·Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, AL

Records Tie Third Data Center Developer to Hundreds of Acres in Brookwood

Public records reveal Provident Data Centers, through Tuscaloosa 624 Investors LLC, has acquired over 500 acres in Brookwood, Alabama, near an existing substation. This marks the third data center developer acquiring land in the area, following Applied Digital and Youngwoo & Associates. The acquisitions are drawing community concern, leading to a scheduled public meeting in Brookwood.

8/21/2026
NDSU researcher separates fact from fear on data centers
News ClipInForum·ND

NDSU researcher separates fact from fear on data centers

A North Dakota State University researcher has published a study analyzing the impacts of AI data centers on water usage, electric rates, and community relations in the state. The research, titled "AI Data Centers: What North Dakota Needs to Know," aims to provide factual information to residents and legislators. It highlights that data center impacts vary significantly based on their type and location, citing examples from Applied Digital in Ellendale and Atlas Power in Williston.

8/21/2026