Indy councilors hit pause button on data centers

The Indianapolis City-County Council voted overwhelmingly 23-1 at its August 10 meeting to implement a temporary moratorium on new data center approvals until the end of 2027. Council President Maggie Lewis stated the pause is intended to allow the city to refine its regulatory framework for data centers.

Proposed regulations would include restrictions on sound levels and mandate developers submit plans for water management and electrical capacity. However, critics suggest the current proposals do not adequately address health and environmental concerns. The measure will not affect three data centers already approved by the Metropolitan Development Commission, despite community opposition. The moratorium itself requires approval from the Metropolitan Development Commission, whose nine members include five appointed by Mayor Joe Hogsett, who supports the pause. Councilor Michael-Paul Hart was the sole dissenting vote, advocating for clear development guidelines rather than a moratorium. The Development Commission is slated to vote on the proposal at its August 19 meeting.