Foley Slaps Six-Month Moratorium on Data Centers Amid Regulatory Review

Foley, Alabama has implemented a six-month moratorium on new data center-related proposals to study their potential impact on the community. The Foley City Council voted in favor of the ordinance on September 8, which restricts the acceptance and consideration of applications for data centers, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining facilities, server farms, and similar uses.

The mayor, Ralph Hellmich, stated that no data centers have been proposed for the area yet, but the moratorium is intended to give the city time to prepare ordinances and guidelines in case an application is submitted in the future. He emphasized the importance of reviewing regulations related to environmental, zoning, and technical aspects.

Hellmich also highlighted Foley's unique position as a city-owned electrical provider, Riviera Utilities, which has requirements that would affect any data centers built in the area. The mayor mentioned that Riviera had already put into place policies to prevent data centers from putting burdens on existing customers.