In the United States, both renewable energy and data center development currently experience opposition. Outside of well-known federal opposition to the development of renewable energy projects, state efforts to stimy development have been growing. While state legislative efforts to increase the difficulty of siting for renewable projects has been recognized, some states are attempting state-wide temporary bans on development. As one forthcoming example, the state of Alabama is now attempting to place a temporary ban on utility-scale solar in response to efforts to build a utility-scale solar farm to power a data center in the state.
Stockton Solar Project
Meta Platforms Inc. (“Meta”), a technology giant that is the owner of popular social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is working with Silicon Ranch, a utility-scale solar developer, to construct a large solar farm to help power Meta’s upcoming AI-optimized data center in Montgomery, Alabama. The data center recently confirmed that its planned campus would be expanded, bringing its footprint to almost 1.3 million square feet.
The solar farm would be located in Stockton, Alabama, a rural community in which community members have expressed opposition based on concerns regarding impacts to wetlands and the general ecosystem given the land requirements for solar farms. Despite approval of the project by the Alabama Public Service Commission (“Commission”) in December 2025, Stockton residents argue a lack of communication, providing they were unaware until just recently. In the Commission’s approving order, it granted approval after staff consideration and subsequent satisfaction with requisite criteria, providing that the project was “reasonably expected to result in positive benefits to customers” over its term, but not mentioning community input or consideration of any submitted opposition. Developers of the solar farm say that the project will actually enhance the environment of the 4,500 acres to be developed as the panels will be placed in conjunction with sheep grazing, as well as the potential housing of other livestock.
Alabama Large-Scale Solar Moratorium
Stemming from this situation in Stockton, the Alabama Legislature is currently considering a statewide restriction on large-scale solar development. Senator Greg Albritton is the sponsor of SB 354, a bill which would place a one-year moratorium on the construction and operation of new large-scale solar power facilities in the state, excluding areas served by the Tennessee Valley Authority per an amendment. The bill has made it out of committee. If signed into law by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, the temporary ban would become effective as of the date of signing. The accompanying house bill is HB 617, which is still in committee. Senator Albritton has stated his intention that the purpose of the moratorium is to allow for regulations and policies to be developed regarding solar projects which may address the concerns of Stockton residents. Opponents to the bill argue that instead of providing any beneficial targeted oversight, the bill would act as a “kill switch” on the industry in a state that claims to be pro-business and investment and would limit energy diversification and innovation. The bill also comes after the introduction of a similar senate bill in Missouri, SB 849, which would place a moratorium on new utility-scale solar project construction, as well as construction underway but not yet completed, until 2027 and extending until certain environmental rules are in place. Missouri’s SB 849 is currently still in committee.
County Bans and Moratoriums
Further, USA TODAY has found that by the end of 2025, 24% of U.S. counties generally had policies encumbering new utility-scale wind and solar energy development while Heatmap News determined that about one in five counties within the U.S. either heavily restricted or outright banned new wind and solar plants. These measures have continued to rise since 2021. However, state legislatures have the power to preempt such restrictive local policy, and one legal scholar argues that states should act to enable the development of these utility-scale renewable projects in the face of federal and local opposition, contrary to the temporary ban attempts in Alabama and Missouri.
In the face of continued and growing opposition and restrictions at the federal, state, and local level, the proliferation of large-scale renewable energy projects may continue to face challenges in the coming year. DWGP will continue to track proposed legislation in various states.
For more information and assistance, please contact R. Keith Gordon or Paige L. Punzalan.