Rise Up Against Data Centers in Bessemer on August 19! Wear Red in Solidarity.

We are calling on community members to mobilize to oppose data centers in Bessemer. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Bessemer City Hall, 1700 3rd Ave N, 2nd Floor. We encourage people to wear red in solidarity!

Last month, we called on you to stand with residents of Bessemer at the July 15th public hearing to stop the fast-tracked rezoning for two proposed data centers, projects that threaten local air and water quality, undermine democratic decision-making, and offer little public benefit. Your response was powerful.

Packed Room, United Voices

More than 80 residents showed up at the Bessemer City Council meeting, many wearing red in solidarity, voicing their concerns and demanding transparency. The Cahaba Alliance for Conservation and Sustainability (CACS) delivered over 100 petition signatures and emails opposing the data centers. As detailed in Inside Climate News, community members and environmental advocates expressed deep concern about the secrecy surrounding the project, the lack of environmental oversight, and the potential for diesel-powered backup generators to pollute local neighborhoods.

Residents learned that the two “hyperscale” data centers, each potentially covering over 200 acres, are expected to rely on massive diesel generator systems capable of running for days during power outages. These facilities would consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, while offering little in the way of community investment or meaningful job creation. Worse, local leaders still have not disclosed the identity of the tech company behind the proposal.

Concerns Multiply as Details Emerge

According to Inside Climate News, documents suggest that Alabama Power may supply these centers with fossil-fuel-heavy electricity, undermining both climate and public health goals. Bessemer residents are rightfully asking: Who benefits from this development, and at what cost to our health, land, and future?

Bessemer residents deserve real answers and a seat at the table, not rushed votes and closed-door deals.

What’s Next?

Thanks to your pressure, council members agreed to delay the final vote, but the fight is far from over. The City Council could revisit the rezoning at any time.

We must continue to:

• Demand full transparency about the project and the company behind it.

• Insist on an environmental impact study before any further action is taken.

• Support the residents of Bessemer in protecting their health, land, and voice.

Take Action Now

✅ Sign the petition opposing the data centers: https://forms.gle/hwCu8eGxQ7gwAtzn8

✉️ Email Bessemer City Council Members to let them know you oppose rezoning for a secretive, polluting development: https://sites.google.com/view/nodatacentersinbessemer

📣 Share the event on Facebook to spread the word: https://www.facebook.com/events/1035506941959482

This isn’t just about Bessemer. This is about the right of every Alabamian to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and have a voice in decisions that shape our communities.

Together, we can win and stop the data centers in Bessemer.