Bessemer, Alabama, is buzzing with concern over a proposed 4.5 million-square-foot data center called Project Marvel. A major opponent is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which argues that the project could harm the community’s well-being and environment.
In a letter to the city’s planning commission, the NAACP outlined its opposition, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on the mostly Black community surrounding the site. Residents are worried about environmental issues, health risks, and economic strain that may come from this development. The project is expected to take 7 to 10 years to build, and if it operates at full capacity, it could consume an astonishing 1,200 megawatts of electricity every hour—equivalent to ten times the electricity used by all homes in nearby Birmingham.
Water use is also a significant concern. The developers have requested approval to use up to 2 million gallons of water daily, but the local utility has said it can’t meet such demands without major upgrades. Many locals feel unheard, especially since city leaders dismissed concerns about a lack of transparency. Some city officials signed non-disclosure agreements with the developers, limiting the information available to the public.
Experts are weighing in on the matter. Dr. Emily Miller, an environmental scientist, points out that projects like this could exacerbate existing climate issues. “The energy demands will add to pollution and can worsen health problems in already vulnerable communities,” she explains.
Jefferson County, where Bessemer is located, has a troubled environmental history. The James H. Miller Jr. Electric Generating Plant, a major greenhouse gas emitter, has drawn scrutiny for its harmful emissions, including over 21 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2022 alone. This context adds urgency to residents’ concerns about Project Marvel.
Community reactions have been notably vocal. At public meetings, residents have donned red shirts to symbolize their opposition. Social media is also abuzz, with hashtags like #StopProjectMarvel trending among those advocating for community rights and transparency.
As the Bessemer City Council prepares to review the project’s development plan on October 7, tensions are high. Groups like the Alabama Rivers Alliance are joining the call for transparency. The NAACP’s letter urges city officials to consider the full ramifications of the project, advocating for a thorough examination and meaningful community involvement in the decision-making process.
The stakes are significant. How Bessemer navigates this project could influence future developments and underline the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in marginalized communities.
