How data centers are defining some local Indiana elections
Data center development has become a major issue in local Indiana elections, particularly in Miami County, where officials recommended an ordinance and lifted a temporary moratorium. Candidates and residents are divided between supporting stricter regulations and seeking moratoriums or bans, while projects by Amazon and Google proceed in other counties.
Data center proposals have emerged as a defining issue in local Indiana elections. In Peru and Miami County, farmer Jason McClure entered the county commissioner race after the Miami County Plan Commission recommended a data center ordinance and lifted a temporary moratorium following a meeting attended by hundreds of opponents. Incumbent Commissioner Fred Musselman defended the ordinance as a way to impose safeguards while preserving economic benefits.
Opposition is also shaping races in Jasper and LaPorte counties. Jasper County commissioners approved an agreement with Amazon for a $7 billion campus near Wheatfield, while Amazon is developing a $1 billion campus in La Porte and Google has proposed a project in Michigan City. Candidates and residents disagree over whether to impose moratoriums, limit projects to industrial areas, or allow development under environmental and infrastructure safeguards.