Data center moratorium advances for Indianapolis
An Indianapolis City-County Council committee advanced a moratorium on new data centers until December 31, 2027, in response to community pressure. This measure aims to allow time for new zoning regulations to be developed for data centers. The ordinance now proceeds to the full council for a vote.
An Indianapolis City-County Council committee has advanced a moratorium on new data centers through December 31, 2027, following months of protests and demands from community members. Council President Maggie Lewis introduced the amendment to pause new approvals, stating it would provide officials time to create comprehensive zoning regulations for data centers. The Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee voted 10-3 to recommend the moratorium for approval and also approved a new special zoning class for data centers. The ordinance is now scheduled for a vote by the full Indianapolis City-County Council on August 10.
The decision comes amidst ongoing community concerns about the environmental impact, heavy water, and energy demands of data centers, which have become a major focus of Indiana's economic development strategy. Councilor Jesse Brown, who supported the policy, expressed that it should have been implemented sooner, referencing Google's withdrawal of a rezoning proposal in Franklin Township in 2025. The staff of the Department of Metropolitan Development and Mayor Joe Hogsett have both voiced support for the proposed moratorium.
While the amendment progresses, Councilors Michael-Paul Hart and Derek Cahill raised concerns about the lack of a specific definition for data centers within the current wording. Meanwhile, on July 15, the development commission is set to hold a final vote on a variance change request by DC Blox for a data center on Indianapolis’ east side, a project that is separate from the moratorium but highlights ongoing development discussions.