Environmental expert gives data center presentation at Gary forum

Hoosier Environmental Council Executive Director Sam Carpenter gave a presentation at a community forum in Gary, Indiana hosted by Gary Common Council Vice President Darren Washington. Carpenter discussed the environmental impacts of data centers and urged residents and officials to carefully consider proposals. Washington noted that the Gary council has not received any data center requests yet, but said the city might feel pressure to accept such proposals due to recent state legislation that impacts local budgets. Carpenter warned that data centers use massive amounts of electricity and water, and that operators often seek tax incentives and non-disclosure agreements. Local environmental groups like Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD) and Just Transition Northwest Indiana expressed opposition to data centers in the region. GARD is calling for a one-year moratorium to allow for a more thorough community discussion. Ashley Williams, a Michigan City resident, also urged Gary officials not to follow in her city's footsteps, where a large data center project has faced significant opposition despite receiving over $40 million in tax incentives.