Fort Wayne Urged to Adopt Specific Data Center Regulations

The Journal Gazette, in an editorial, advocates for Fort Wayne, Indiana, to develop specific rules and ordinances for data centers before future projects arrive. The newspaper argues that the city's current planning, zoning, and abatement processes, which were applied to Google's $2 billion "Project Zodiac" data center, are inadequate for facilities that consume vast amounts of power, require significant water management, and rely on backup generators. John Perlich, Fort Wayne's chief public information officer, stated that while the city monitors data center projects, no data-center-specific zoning changes are currently planned. However, the article highlights the overlap between land use and environmental resources, citing experts like Rebecca TeKolste, climate and energy senior adviser for the Hoosier Environmental Council. TeKolste suggests strong ordinances commonly address water usage, on-site backup power, pollution, customer bills, and community benefits, noting that Indianapolis's current draft is "quite weak" and other communities like Gary and LaPorte County may offer better models. Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition, proposes that local governments consider a moratorium on new data centers until comprehensive ordinances are in place. He emphasizes critical considerations such as water, backup power, energy demand, and noise, citing a July 2024 voltage fluctuation in Northern Virginia's "data center alley" and Entergy's increased capital spending due to Meta's Louisiana data center as examples of infrastructure strain. Olson warns that current public policy lags behind rapid technological and capitalist development, creating an "out-of-control gold rush." He stresses that clearer rules of engagement are necessary before more "Big Tech" projects proceed.