Briefing 08/22/2025
Weekly updates on the political risks American data center projects
This week’s roundup: In Indiana, Indianapolis approved rezoning for a $1 billion Google data center in Franklin Township despite protests and a 6,000-signature petition, with final council action set for September. In Missouri, CRG withdrew its $1 billion Project Cumulus proposal in St. Charles County after petitions, conservation group warnings, and the mayor pulled support. And in Alabama, Bessemer delayed rezoning for Project Marvel, a $14 billion, 700-acre campus by Logistics Land Investment, amid opposition from residents, environmental groups, and county officials.
Indianapolis Approves Rezoning for Google Data Center Despite Resident Opposition
The Indianapolis’ Metropolitan Development Commission voted 8–1 to rezone 468 acres in Franklin Township for a $1billion Google data center. The approval followed a heated meeting where residents brought “No Data Center” signs and booed commissioners and voiced concerns over noise, water pollution, limited job benefits, and rising utility rates. The proposal now advances to the full City-County Council in September. Protect Franklin Township launched a petition with 6000 signatures against the project.
Opposition:
Affected Project:
Google $1B Franklin Township Data Center
Why it matters:
Escalating Community Opposition: Organized neighborhood opposition, including the Greater Troy Neighborhood Association, frames the project as a precedent-setting land use battle that could influence future siting in Marion County.
Political Uncertainty Ahead: Final approval rests with the council, where members may face pressure from local residents extending risk timelines.
St. Charles, Missouri, Data Center Application Withdrawn After Resident Pushback
Developers of the Project Cumulus in St. Charles County, Missouri, withdrew their application ahead of an August 19 city council vote. The proposal, which included 125 backup diesel generators, had raised questions about water safety, transparency, and local impacts.
A petition against the project gathered more than 7000 signatures. The Good Government Committee distributed “No Data Center” flyers, and the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance sent a letter claiming “irreversible threats” to wetlands and flood resilience. Two councilmembers had already signaled opposition, and Mayor Dan Borgmeyer pulled his support, citing a lack of transparency.
Although the withdrawal halts Project Cumulus “for now,” both the developers and city officials acknowledge the site may return for consideration in revised form.
Opposition:
Residents of St. Charles
Good Government Committee (funded the flyers).
County Executive Candidate Bill Eigel (R)
Affected Project:
Project Cumulus a $1 billion 440-acre, 1.5M sq ft planned data center developed by CRG (Clayco’s development arm) for an undisclosed Fortune 100 client.
Why it matters:
Withdrawal Risk: This case shows how fast-moving resident opposition can derail projects before a formal vote, even after months of developer engagement.
Transparency and Communication: Concerns over non-disclosure agreements and the planned gas generators amplified narratives of distrust and fueled local opposition.
$14 Billion Data Center Project Marvel in Bessemer, Alabama, Delayed Again
The Bessemer City Council in Jefferson County, Alabama, postponed action on a rezoning request for Project Marvel, a proposed $14 billion data center campus by Logistics Land Investment LLC. The plan calls for developing nearly 700 acres of timberland into a site with 18 data center buildings. The council voted unanimously to send the proposal back to its Planning and Zoning Committee for further review, delaying a decision until at least September.
Mayor Kenneth Gulley supports the project, citing its economic potential, but said the delay allows time to address questions “out of an abundance of caution.” Councilman Cleo King and Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens expressed concerns about transparency, environmental impact, and resource use.
Opposition
Political figures: Councilman Cleo King; Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens
Affected Project
Project Marvel, a 700-acre, 18-building, $14 billion proposal in Jefferson County, developed by Logistics Land Investment LLC
Why it matters:
Large Investment and Opposition: At $14 billion, this is one of the largest single-site data center proposals in the U.S.; however, it has already drawn significant local opposition, even though pushback against data centers has been limited in Alabama until now.
Opposition Coalition: Project Marvel has faced pushback from a range of groups citing concerns about water use, power demand, and environmental impacts. This aligns with broader national trends and indicates growing coordination that extends beyond local grassroots efforts.
Data Center Watch in the News
“Dale Earnhardt's widow and son battle over a $30 billion data center on his North Carolina land”
Data Center Watch was quoted in NBC News:
“The volume, speed, and effectiveness of local opposition are reshaping the landscape of political risks for the data center industry,” Data Center Watch said in a statement to NBC News.”
Links
“Amid Data Center Growth, County Council Eyes Tax Break Pause”
“Google strikes major nuclear power deal to fuel AI data centers with 50 megawatt capacity”
“Data center owners urge US to speed power permits as AI race heats up”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/data-center-owners-urge-us-173927336.html
“Richmond is suddenly America's hottest data center hub”
https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/08/20/richmond-data-center-market-fastest-growing
“Residents share concerns about a potential data center in Appling”