NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

09/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2025 15:08

NAACP Issues Letter Opposing Project Marvel Data Center in Alabama, Growing Concerns for Environmental Harm in the Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2025

Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

Bessemer, AL. - Today, the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, the Metro Birmingham Branch of the NAACP, and the NAACP Center for Environmental and Climate Justice call on the Bessemer City Council and Bessemer Planning and Zoning Commission to reject the construction of the Logistic Land Investments data center, known as Project Marvel, in an open letter.

The move, by Logistics Land Investments, to build a data center in Jefferson County comes as the region battles an ongoing climate crisis. The city of Bessemer is mostly home to people of color with upwards of 70% Black residents. Furthermore, the area is already home to some of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the country. Citizens in the region endure a daily struggle for cleaner air and civil rights protections against current environmental travesties.

"Communities like Bessemer have borne the brunt of toxic industries for far too long. Adding yet another major polluter into a majority-Black community already burdened by some of the highest greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is unacceptable," said Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice. "Environmental justice means ensuring that Black and Brown people are not forced to choose between economic development and their right to breathe clean air and live with dignity. We call on the City of Bessemer to reject Project Marvel and instead invest in sustainable solutions that uplift our communities and begin to undo the harm already done in the region."

Excerpts from the letter include the following demands calling for transparency:

  • Produce a Complete Copy of any Non-Disclosure Agreement Signed or Proposed To Be Signed
  • Revoke the Non-Disclosure Agreements that any Council Member Signed
  • Disclose the Analysis of the Amount of Water the Data Center Will Require on an Annual Basis
  • Disclose the Analysis of the Impact of the Removal of Forest
  • Disclose the Disaster Management Plans
  • And more.

"The people of Bessemer deserve better than to have their health, homes, and futures sacrificed for corporate profit. The Alabama State Conference stands with the Metro Birmingham Branch and residents of Bessemer to say no to Project Marvel," said Benard Simelton, President of the NAACP Alabama State Conference. "The pattern of targeting Black communities for environmentally hazardous projects must end, and it must end here. Our state needs investment that protects the wellbeing of families - not projects that harm our quality of life."

"Every day, families in Bessemer already fight to keep their children safe from polluted air and rising health risks. Project Marvel would only make those struggles worse. Our community is not a dumping ground. We deserve clean air, fair opportunities, and a future where our children can thrive. The Metro Birmingham Branch urges city leaders to put people over profits and protect the wellbeing of Bessemer residents," said Dorothea Crosby, President of the Metro Birmingham Branch of the NAACP.

To read the full letter, visit naacp.org.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People published this content on September 16, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 16, 2025 at 21:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]