Evansville City Council to consider data center moratorium
The Evansville City Council is scheduled to consider a 180-day moratorium on data centers, following a recommendation from the Area Plan Commission. Residents have expressed concerns about data center resource usage, prompting city officials to seek more knowledge on the implications for their community. The first reading of the ordinance is set for September 28th.
The Evansville City Council is set to vote on a proposed 180-day moratorium on data centers, a measure recommended earlier this month by the Evansville Area Plan Commission. The decision comes amidst growing concerns from residents, including Connie Whitman, who spoke at a recent city council meeting about the extensive resource consumption by data centers.
City Council President Ben Trockman indicated that the council aims to gather more information about the potential benefits and drawbacks of data centers in the community. The first reading of the moratorium ordinance is scheduled for September 28th, with a second reading planned for October 5th. Officials initially considered forming a committee for studies but opted against it, as Vanderburgh County already established its own study committee in August, which held its first meeting earlier this month to discuss a county-level moratorium. The council emphasized its commitment to listening to public concerns and conducting thorough research.