Elkhart City Council to discuss data center moratorium

The Elkhart City Council is set to vote on a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage system applications within city limits. The ordinance, introduced by Mayor Rob Robertson, would halt new applications until the end of next year.

Mayor Robertson acknowledged that the moratorium might mean missing out on future investment but emphasized the city's need for time to determine if future data centers are suitable for Elkhart. The proposed pause would allow the city to study various impacts, including electrical grid capacity, water usage, noise, traffic, fire safety, environmental effects, and potential economic costs and benefits to the community.

Councilman Aaron Mishler stated that the proposal was prompted by concerns raised by residents, calling the move "responsible local government." The council will consider the measure at its 6 o'clock meeting.