Daily Digest — March 19, 2026
Indianapolis Approves $4B Sabey Data Center Despite Months of Opposition
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission has approved a $4 billion, 130-acre data center proposed by Seattle-based developer Sabey in Decatur Township, Marion County, according to WFYI. The 900,000-square-foot facility will be located along Kentucky Avenue and Camby Road, as reported by CBS4 Indy. It is described as the city's largest data center project to date, per Inside INdiana Business.
The approval came after months of community pushback. Residents raised concerns about noise, energy demand, water usage, property values, and proximity to homes. A central point of contention was the rezoning process: opponents argued the developer avoided a full rezoning petition to prevent the city-county councilor from exercising the right to "call down" the petition, according to WFYI. Indiana currently lacks a formal rezoning designation specifically for data center development.
City-County Councilor Josh Bain acknowledged community concerns but pledged support after securing what he described as "protections and commitments." Resident Pat Andrews, chair of the Decatur Township Civic Council's land use committee, described the situation as "unconscionable" for multiple townships.
Franklin County, Missouri, Tables Data Center Rezoning After 11-Hour Hearing
The Franklin County, Missouri, planning and zoning commission convened a public hearing that lasted nearly 11 hours — from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning — to consider rezoning agricultural land for large-scale data center projects proposed by developers Beltline and Provident, according to KSDK. Hundreds of residents packed Union High School to voice opposition.
Key concerns included:
- Transparency, with attorney Steve Jeffery citing "multiple meetings, closed sessions with developers" unknown to the public
- Environmental impacts near the Meramec River
- Noise, air, and water pollution risks
- Disruption to the rural character of areas including Crooked Creek Farm in Pacific and Diamond Farms in Villa Ridge
- Safety in flood-prone areas
Sam Dean, a founding member of the Pacific Root Coalition, estimated that opponents outnumbered supporters roughly "98 to 2" among speakers. The commission tabled the rezoning decision, deferring it to a future meeting before it advances to the Franklin County Commission.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose NDA Ban After Mount Orab Data Center Secrecy; Village Enacts Moratorium
Mount Orab village leaders in Brown County, Ohio, are facing criticism for signing non-disclosure agreements related to a potential mega data center on a 1,000-acre site purchased by DB STU LLC, tied to Corporation Services Company of Delaware, according to WLWT. NDAs were signed by the village council, Brown County Rural Water Association, Western Brown Local Schools, and the Southwest Ohio Regional Development Authority.
In response, Ohio Rep. Adam Bird introduced House Bill 695, co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Stewart, which would:
- Ban elected officials from signing NDAs in their official duties
- Impose a $1,000 civil fine for violations
Stewart argued the agreements violate the spirit of Ohio's open meetings and public records laws. The Mount Orab village council unanimously voted on March 3 to enact a 180-day moratorium on all data center developments. WLWT reports that more than a dozen data center-related bills are currently in the Ohio Legislature, with state lawmakers also considering a bipartisan commission to study broader impacts.
Microsoft Pledges to End Secret Data Center Deals With Local Governments
Microsoft has committed to ending its practice of engaging in confidential data center deals with local governments, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The pledge signals a shift toward greater transparency in how the company approaches data center development negotiations with municipalities.
South Carolina Electric Cooperatives Adopt Standardized Data Center Rate
All 19 electric cooperatives in South Carolina have unanimously approved new, standardized electricity rates for data centers and other major energy consumers requiring 20 megawatts or more, as reported by WIS News 10. The Central Electric Cooperative Board formalized the rate structure covering both existing and under-construction facilities, per WRDW News 12.
Key provisions include:
- Long-term commitment requirements from large energy users
- Protections to prevent residential co-op members from subsidizing major corporate energy costs
- Funding mechanisms for grid upgrades including transmission lines and substations
Central Electric CEO Rob Hochstetler said the policy aims to maximize grid benefits and ensure major users contribute adequately to system costs. One data center currently operates under co-op power, with three additional facilities under construction already integrating the new rates.
