Alabama town left powerless against massive new Bitcoin mining data center after developer finds loophole in state zoning laws
An Alabama town and its county both passed moratoriums, but a 50 MW Bitcoin mine is being built anyway because they aren't allowed to zone.
A 50 Megawatt Bitcoin mining data center in Somerville, Alabama, is threatening to disrupt a small town with fewer than 800 residents. Despite two moratoriums from Morgan County and Somerville's town council, the developer found a loophole in Dillon's Rule, which limits local government's ability to enforce zoning laws. Morgan County and Somerville have no zoning authority, as Alabama follows Dillon's Rule.
The developer, VoltCore, is using different corporate identities, refusing easements from landowners, and routing utilities through the county right-of-way. Although the town council approved an 18-month moratorium, it appears to be more of a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution. Residents are now exploring other legal avenues to block the data center construction.
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