Marshall County commissioners ban data centers, advance new limit on solar projects

Marshall County, Indiana commissioners have taken decisive action, enacting a permanent ban on data centers across the county. This measure is reportedly the first of its kind in Indiana. In addition to the data center prohibition, the commissioners moved to impose new restrictions on solar projects, limiting them to a maximum of five acres. This solar plan passed its first reading and is scheduled for another vote in two weeks. Further regulatory changes include the approval of new rules for battery storage systems, requiring a quarter-mile setback from any adjoining property line. Commission President Stan Klotz cited concerns about potential "HAZMAT sites" and referenced tornado damage at the Wheatfield solar farm as a basis for these stricter regulations. The commissioners' actions are seen as a potential blueprint for other counties in Indiana contemplating similar projects.