Elkhart city council unanimously passes data center moratorium
The Elkhart City Council unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage facilities within city limits. This decision comes after companies, including Edge Compute Data Center, expressed interest in developing facilities in the city. Residents voiced strong support for the moratorium and hoped for a permanent ban on data centers.
The Elkhart City Council held a special meeting to vote on an ordinance enforcing a one-year moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage facilities within city limits. The moratorium passed unanimously, with council members agreeing they need more time for research and to establish necessary ordinances.
City leaders noted that this action follows expressions of interest from data center companies, including "Edge Compute Data Center," which planned to invest over $120 million in an existing vacant building. However, Councilman Aaron Mishler (D) emphasized the importance of protecting residents' water and electricity supply.
Dozens of residents participated in the public comment session, overwhelmingly supporting the moratorium and expressing a desire for a permanent ban on data center development in Elkhart. While Councilman David Henke voted for the moratorium, he indicated his potential support for future data center development, acknowledging their necessity.
The approved moratorium will pause new applications, allowing the council time to study the effects of data centers and develop ordinances related to noise, water, and electricity before considering any new proposals.