The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Fort Payne
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Anti-Data Center Policies
Fort Payne’s enacted six-month pause delays new data-center projects; afterward, they may be considered only in certain areas and require multiple approvals and a public hearing. Existing centers are not described as having to stop operating.
Rating from Alabama statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Fort Payne.
current law · City of Fort PayneFort Payne, Alabama, unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center development at its June 16, 2026 meeting.Fort Payne data-center moratorium (2026)
What this means
The six-month pause would delay new data center projects, and afterward they could be considered only in certain areas with multiple approvals and a public hearing. Existing centers are not described as having to stop operating, but the pause and added hurdles make building new ones substantially harder.
Timing
- Ends
- Dec 15, 2026
WAFF explicitly reports that the six-month moratorium remains in effect through Dec. 15 and that the council also has the option to extend it. This is a reported scheduled end, not confirmation that expiration actually occurs; reviewed sources do not confirm an extension.
People behind it
- Nick Brown
Code Enforcement Officer who suggested a six-month moratorium.
- Richard Camp
Councilman who moved to put the moratorium in place.
- John Smith
Councilman who seconded the motion, with the second coming from Smith.
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- Todd Simpson
Council President who liked the idea of a six-month moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Temporary moratorium on approving any data center or battery energy storage systems wanting to set up in Fort Payne. The council discusses it as a 180 day (6 month) moratorium. Permanent conditional-use and setback proposals are separate from this temporary measure.
Sources
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