Alabama
Favorable / IncentivesAlabama offers tax incentives for data center development, but local pushback spread rapidly in mid-2026. Birmingham enacted a 6-month moratorium on large data centers (>20 MW) in March 2026, and in June 2026 Leeds, Homewood, Cullman, and Fort Payne each adopted their own data center moratoriums while reviewing zoning rules. The wave reached east-central Alabama in August 2026: Anniston adopted Resolution 26-R-97 on August 18 imposing a 12-month moratorium on data center permitting, development and licensing within its regulatory jurisdiction (with a Planning Commission study due in six months), and Westover's council unanimously passed a six-month moratorium the same night after residents opposed a proposed 437-acre project near Cheshire Drive.
Local Actions
City Council voted unanimously to enact a 6-month moratorium on data centers requiring >20 MW. Exempts DC Blox and Nebius AI Factory.
City Council passed a one-year moratorium on data centers in early June 2026.
City Council approved a 12-month moratorium (extendable by six months) on data centers on June 22, 2026.
City Council unanimously imposed a 12-month moratorium on June 22, 2026 and referred a prohibition zoning amendment to the Planning Commission.
City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers on June 16, 2026.
City Council adopted Resolution No. 26-R-97 on August 18, 2026, a 12-month moratorium (effective immediately, extendable or shortenable) on the permitting, development and licensing of data centers within its regulatory jurisdiction. Directs the Planning Commission to study siting, lot sizes, electrical demand, water use, stormwater, backup generators and noise, and report within six months.
City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data centers on August 18, 2026, after residents voiced concerns over a proposed 437-acre data center project near Cheshire Drive. Officials will review zoning and community impact conditions during the pause.