NYT Spotlights Zeigler PSC Bid Ahead of Runoff

A race that rarely attracts national attention found itself in the spotlight Monday, one day before Alabama Republicans head to the polls in a Statewide runoff election.

The New York Times published a feature on Republican Alabama Public Service Commission candidate Jim Zeigler and the growing debate over data centers, solar farms, and power policy in Alabama. The article, titled "In Alabama, Opposition to Renewable Solar Energy Joins a Data Center Battle," was written by reporter David W. Chen and published June 15, the day before voters decide the Republican nominee for PSC Place 2.

Zeigler, a former Alabama State Auditor and former member of the Public Service Commission, is facing incumbent Chris Beeker III in Tuesday's runoff election. Beeker was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2024 to complete the term of his father, former Commissioner Chris Beeker Jr., who resigned for health reasons.

The Times article examined how concerns about large-scale data centers and utility-scale solar projects have become a major issue in Alabama's PSC races. The report included coverage of a June event hosted by the Elmore County Republican Party, where Zeigler outlined his proposal to serve as what he calls a "Watchman" over major energy and technology projects.

According to the report, Zeigler argued that State leaders have not provided sufficient oversight of rapidly expanding data center and solar developments.

“Do you know who in Montgomery is overseeing the data centers and solar farms?” Zeigler asked during the Elmore County event. After receiving no response from the audience, he added, “No one. Nobody is overseeing all this, and that will come to a halt if you elect me to the PSC.”

The Times also reported on opposition to a proposed 260-megawatt solar project near Stockton in Baldwin County. The project, developed by Silicon Ranch, would provide power through Alabama Power for a Meta data center planned for the Montgomery area. The solar facility received PSC approval in December 2025.

Zeigler has criticized the approval process, arguing that local residents and officials were not given adequate notice before the commission approved the agreement.

Following publication of the article, Zeigler said he believed the report overlooked an important distinction regarding his position on renewable energy.

“The people of Alabama and I are not against solar power and renewable energy. Solar is fine on rooftops, for individual ownership, and in appropriate locations. What we oppose are inappropriate sites for industrial-scale solar farms and data centers. The Stockton site is in a bad location — ruining wetlands and taking away the character of an established community.

“The Times headline is incorrect. It should have read, ‘Alabama citizens stoke opposition to data centers and solar farms.’ The idea that Alabama Republicans are against renewable energy is an inaccurate slam against our State. We need a Watchman to oversee this high-tech invasion of our communities, and I have a plan to be that Watchman.”

The New York Times reported from Alabama earlier this month, attending PSC meetings, covering campaign events, and meeting with Baldwin County residents who have organized opposition to the Stockton project.

The heightened attention comes as concerns about data centers and energy infrastructure have become a growing issue nationwide. Communities across the country have raised questions about power demand, land use, utility costs, and environmental impacts associated with large-scale technology and energy projects.

Alabama voters will decide the Republican nominee for PSC Place 2 in Tuesday's runoff election.