Here are the Indiana Counties That Are Putting the Brakes on Data Centers
At least 50 Indiana counties have adopted restrictions on data center development, citing concerns about electricity demand, water use, noise, light pollution and neighborhood impacts. Warrick County is considering rules for the proposed Project Alloy, while Vanderburgh County and Evansville have temporarily paused development, including a 180-day moratorium approved by the Evansville City Council.
Indiana counties are increasingly restricting data center development as officials and residents weigh projected economic benefits against concerns about electricity consumption, water use, noise, light pollution, taxes and effects on surrounding communities. The Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute reports that at least 50 counties have adopted some form of restriction, including temporary pauses, regulations and outright bans.
In Warrick County, a potential project known as Project Alloy is reportedly being considered on 700 acres of Alcoa-owned land. County commissioners and the Area Plan Commission are preparing an ordinance, with public hearings scheduled before commissioners consider the APC recommendation. Vanderburgh County and Evansville have also paused development while evaluating local rules; Evansville City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on Oct. 5. The article also criticizes changes to a proposed state incentive program that reduced potential local payments for approving data centers.