The data center surge has hit rural America. What happens next must not be decided without the communities that call these places home.
This past Monday, I kicked off my NYC Climate Week in a provocative and timely conversation with our friends at the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network entitled “The South Is On Fire.” It’s true, in good ways and in bad.
One of the most pressing topics we discussed was the rising tide of “preemption,” which is when the federal or state government passes a law to override the authority of local governments. It’s been happening a lot lately when it comes to energy, land use, and data centers. West Virginia, for example, recently passed a law that stripped communities of the ability to make their own siting decisions. And our neighbors across Florida have been grappling with the same issue for years.
From where I stand, and from the perspective of Groundswell’s mission to build community power, it comes down to respect.
In that spirit – whether you’re a “hell, no” or a “yes, if” when you’re standing at the data center crossroads – this year’s Roadshow is built to equip you with the tools, information, and relationships you need to build the future you want to see for the place you call home.
With gratitude and respect,
L. Michelle Moore
Michelle is author of “Rural Renaissance,” CEO of Groundswell, and a former board member of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public power utility. Her work is rooted in her faith and the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
MORE KEYNOTES FROM THE ROADSHOW
Bring Your Experience to the Conversation
If you are a local elected official, utility or energy leader, economic development professional, community leader, landowner, or someone helping shape the future of rural communities, the Rural Renaissance Roadshow is an opportunity to connect with peers and explore how communities are navigating growth, infrastructure, affordability, resilience, and local economic opportunity.
The Roadshow brings together leaders and practitioners with different perspectives to share experience, build relationships, and better understand the choices rural communities face at the Data Center Crossroads. We hope you’ll join the conversation and bring your own experience, questions, and perspective to the table.
November 4–6, 2026
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Decatur, Alabama
