Indy halts new data centers through 2027 in rare win for opponents
Indianapolis, within Marion County, has enacted a data center moratorium until the end of 2027, a move supported by Mayor Joe Hogsett and the City-County Council. This decision is a significant victory for local opponents who have campaigned for the ban due to concerns over water usage, electricity demands, and noise. While the ban immediately prohibits new data center proposals, three projects already approved earlier this year will proceed.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) unanimously approved a temporary ban on new data center construction within city limits through the end of 2027, effective immediately. This decision follows an 18-month campaign by residents and environmental advocates, including Bryce Gustafson of the Citizens Action Coalition, who expressed hope that elected officials are responding to public engagement.
The public's attention was drawn to data centers following a withdrawn proposal by Google for a hyperscale facility on the city's southeast side, which faced significant opposition from Franklin Township residents. Advocates, clad in red shirts, consistently attended public meetings to voice concerns over high water usage, large electricity demands, and noise pollution.
While the moratorium, endorsed by Mayor Joe Hogsett and sponsored by Council President Maggie Lewis, received overwhelming support from the City-County Council, it will not affect three data center projects already approved this year in Martindale Brightwood, Decatur Township, and on the east side. Councilor Dan Boots stated the ban provides time to study future regulations, while Councilor Michael-Paul Hart expressed concerns that proposals would simply be delayed until after the 2027 city-wide general election.
As part of the moratorium agreement, the Department of Metropolitan Development will hire a consultant and form an advisory committee by September to recommend public engagement steps and future data center regulations.