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Hanu Karlapalem slams Rep. Moore over data center remarks
The dispute comes as several Alabama communities weigh restrictions on new data center projects.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 23, Jul 2026
- 18:18 EDT
- 45
Democrat Hanu Karlapalem / Courtesy photo
Democratic Alabama House candidate Hanu Karlapalem criticized Republican state Rep. Parker Moore over his comments on data centers, saying he dismissed concerns raised by House District 4 residents.
Karlapalem's campaign issued the statement after Moore reportedly told the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce during its July 21 legislative update that opposition to data centers has been fueled by "foreign disinformation" and that Alabama must expand data center development to compete with China in what he described as an "arms race."
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Moore also said a proposed bitcoin-mining facility near Somerville "is not actually a data center," distinguishing it from conventional data centers.
Karlapalem rejected that characterization, arguing that both facilities have similar impacts on nearby communities.
"Bitcoin mining isn't digging in the ground, and it isn't a different animal from a data center in any way that matters to the people living next door," Karlapalem said. "Both are warehouses full of computers running around the clock, drawing power and water, day and night."
Citing his background as an information technologist with a master's degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Karlapalem said Moore's remarks underestimated residents' understanding of the issue.
"What Parker Moore is really saying is that his constituents can't tell the difference between two buildings with the same power draw, water use, and noise," Karlapalem said. "That's not a technical distinction. That's a condescending one."
Karlapalem said those actions reflect legitimate concerns raised by local officials and residents.
"These aren't outside agitators. These are Alabama officials, in Parker Moore's own backyard, doing the careful work of protecting their communities," Karlapalem said. "Meanwhile Parker Moore is suggesting his own constituents have been fooled by foreign disinformation, instead of doing that work himself."
Karlapalem also renewed his call for a public debate with Moore ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
"If Parker Moore is confident in his position on data centers, energy costs, and the issues facing HD4, he should be willing to defend it in front of the people he represents," Karlapalem said. "HD4 deserves a real conversation, not talking points and not avoidance."
The criticism comes as several Alabama communities have moved to slow or limit data center development amid concerns over electricity demand, water use, noise, and infrastructure.
Morgan County has approved a one-year moratorium on new data center projects, while Birmingham has enacted a six-month moratorium. Decatur officials have also said the city cannot support a large-scale facility under current conditions, and local officials in Cullman and Athens have explored additional controls.
Karlapalem, a Madison-based small business owner, is the Democratic nominee for Alabama House District 4 and will face Moore in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
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