Karlapalem Asks Parker Moore: What Changed on Data Centers Between July and October?

From the Karlapalem campaign

Nominee, a small technology business owner with knowledge of cybersecurity and information systems, says Morgan County residents raised data center concerns months ago, and calls for a moratorium, transparency, and ratepayer protections

MADISON, Ala. - Hanu Karlapalem, Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4, today asked Rep. Parker Moore to explain what changed on data centers between July and October, citing Moore’s own public statements.

In July, Moore told the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce that public opposition to data centers had been influenced by foreign disinformation, according to The Decatur Daily. He said the country is “essentially at an arms race with China” over AI. But on October 15, he changed his tune and told FOX54 that residents’ concerns include valid arguments, and that officials should slow down and inform the community more.

“Residents in Morgan, Limestone and Madison counties raised these concerns months ago, and some were told they were being influenced by foreign adversaries,” Karlapalem said. “Now, less than three weeks before the election, Parker Moore has changed his tune and says there are valid arguments. Does he stand by what he said in July? And will he support a moratorium?”

The Morgan County Commission adopted a 12-month moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas by a 4-0 vote on June 23, weeks before Moore’s Chamber remarks. Cullman unanimously passed a 12-month moratorium in June, and Birmingham adopted a six-month pause in March.

Moore told FOX54 that the state should not be involved in placing data centers, and that the decision belongs to cities and counties. He also said the ultimate goal is making life more affordable for the people he represents.

At the same July event, Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said he plans to introduce legislation giving local governments more authority over where data centers are located, according to the Decatur Daily. Karlapalem asked whether Moore will support it.

WHAT KARLAPALEM IS CALLING FOR

• A one-year moratorium. Pause new AI data center approvals until clear rules are in place.

• Transparency. Contracts, incentives, and utility filings should be public before decisions are made, not after.

• Accountability and community benefit agreements. Written commitments to what the community receives.

• Environmental impact reviews. Study noise, water, and air quality before construction.

• Ratepayer protections. House District 4 is served by TVA. Families should not pay for data center demand on their power bills.

“I have been talking about An Alabama We Can Afford since I launched this campaign on April 4,” Karlapalem said. “Parker Moore is using the words now. His record is different. He voted to accept the Senate rewrite of HB 475 that stripped out mandatory rate hearings and the cap on Alabama Power’s profits, and public filings show he has collected more than $107,000 from 63 special interest PACs and corporations. I do not take corporate or special interest PAC money. Families here want lower power bills before the next project is announced, not after.”

Karlapalem challenged Moore months ago to debate in each of the three counties. Moore has been silent.

Hanu Karlapalem is a Madison, Alabama resident of 26 years, small technology business owner, UAH M.S. graduate, Life Member and former Second Vice President of the Limestone County NAACP and Chairman, AANHPI Caucus. He has been married for 31 years and has deep roots in the North Alabama community through civic, professional, and community service. Karlapalemis the Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4 in the November 3, 2026, general election.

For more information: https://www.hanu4alabama.com.

Sources:

Decatur Daily, July 22, 2026, “Morgan delegation highlights data centers, budgets and local projects”: decaturdaily.com/news/morgan_county/morgan-delegation-highlights-data-centers-budgets-and-local-projects/article_ea9e76ce-c2b6-452c-8052-15ecd09c35a7.html

Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act filings, Friends To Elect Parker Duncan Moore, June 2025 through September 2026 (63 contributors, $107,500): fcpa.alabamavotes.gov

FOX54 (WZDX), October 15, 2026, “Alabama Rep. Moore urges control over data centers, questions I-65 widening feasibility”: rocketcitynow.com/article/news/politics/alabama-state-house-district-four-rep-moore-urges-local-control-over-data-centers-questions-i-65-widening-feasibility/525-a98dd1f1-a011-47a6-abf8-b859398d61f7