Warrick County tables data center ordinance, moratorium possible
The Warrick County Area Plan Commission has voted to table a proposed ordinance that would regulate data centers for four months. Additionally, a motion passed to draft a moratorium ordinance for discussion at an upcoming meeting, aiming to prevent data center development before regulations are finalized. The decisions followed extensive public input from residents concerned about environmental and utility impacts, and from business representatives advocating for less restrictive rules.
The Warrick County Area Plan Commission (APC) in Boonville, Indiana, voted 5-2 to table a proposed ordinance regulating data centers for four months. This decision came after hours of public comment from both concerned residents and representatives from business and development groups, including the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (EREP) and CenterPoint Energy.
Following the vote, the APC moved to draft a moratorium ordinance for discussion at its August meeting, which ultimately passed 4-3. This moratorium would temporarily prevent data centers from establishing themselves in the county before a permanent regulatory framework is in place. Residents expressed concerns about water usage, noise and light pollution, impact on natural resources, and potential effects on utility rates, especially from CenterPoint Energy.
Conversely, groups like EREP, represented by President and CEO Lloyd Winnecke, and CenterPoint Energy, represented by Indiana operations head Mike Roeder, argued that the initial ordinance was too restrictive, emphasizing the potential for tax revenue and job creation from data centers. Warrick County officials noted that no data center plans are currently submitted for approval, though past discussions have been contentious.
The APC plans to discuss the tabled ordinance again at its November 9 meeting, after which it would proceed to the Warrick County Commissioners for final approval or denial. The proposed moratorium ordinance will be specifically outlined and voted on by the APC at its August 10 meeting before potentially being sent to the county commission.