Alabama's Red Clay data center sparks backlash over civil rights legacy and environmental risks

A proposed hyperscale data center campus in Alabama is facing strong opposition from local residents and activists. The project, known as Red Clay, would span 800 acres along Highway 80, a route with deep historical significance. Many in the community fear its environmental and economic impact. The planned data center would cover over 3 million square feet near Highway 80. This stretch of road was the path of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for voting rights. In 2022, the Lowndes County portion was renamed the Robert Mants Memorial Highway.

The site sits along a section of the highway designated as a national historical trail. Residents like Chequita Surles-Johnson worry about rising utility bills and air pollution from the facility. Ann Burgwin Faulkner argues it would harm the legacy of the civil rights movement.

The data center would consume 1,500 megawatts of energy and up to 100,000 gallons of water daily. Lowndes County, where the project is proposed, is over 70% Black with a poverty rate near 25%. Many locals doubt promises of job creation and tax revenue from the development. Opposition to Project Red Clay continues to grow among residents and activists. They cite concerns over energy use, water consumption, and the preservation of civil rights history. The debate highlights tensions between economic development and community values in the region.