Ford challenges Spartz on data centers after her call for federal review
Democratic congressional candidate J.D. Ford is urging U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz to pursue federal data center regulations in Indiana, following Spartz's request for a federal review of major data center projects. The debate centers on who should bear the costs for utility infrastructure and water supplies, and whether federal legislation or review is the best approach to protect residents. Ford advocates for legislation giving communities local control and preventing cost transference to ratepayers, similar to his failed Indiana Senate proposals.
Democratic congressional candidate J.D. Ford has publicly challenged U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz on the issue of data center development in Indiana, urging her to pursue federal regulations. This comes after Spartz, the Republican incumbent, requested an independent federal review of major Indiana projects, including the LEAP Research and Innovation District, to assess their impact on utility customers and water supplies.
The core of the dispute revolves around the financial responsibility for electricity, water, and infrastructure required by large-scale data center developments. Spartz expressed support for advanced manufacturing but emphasized that existing residents and businesses should not subsidize private projects, having raised concerns about data center demands and LEAP's water needs for two years. Her request to Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum seeks an accounting of resource needs and protections against passing costs to consumers.
Ford, an Indiana state senator, criticized the timing of Spartz's request and advocated for federal legislation mirroring his Indiana proposals. He had introduced Senate Bill 135 (2025) and Senate Bill 79 (2026), which called for disclosure of projected power and water use, local site assessments before permits, and quarterly electricity-use reporting. However, neither bill advanced beyond the Senate Utilities Committee.
Ford also highlighted Spartz's vote for an earlier version of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing its proposed moratorium on state and local artificial intelligence regulation would have undermined communities' ability to regulate AI data centers. Although Spartz voted for the provision, the Senate ultimately removed the 10-year moratorium from the legislation before it became law.