Data center moratorium advances to the full Indy City-County Council
The Marion County City-County Council is considering a data center moratorium. A proposed amendment for a moratorium, supported by Council President Maggie Lewis and Mayor Joe Hogsett, advanced through committee with a 10-3 vote after public opposition. The full council will discuss the ordinance and moratorium amendment on August 10th, aiming to establish clearer zoning guidelines for data centers.
Indianapolis, Indiana - Marion County is poised to become the latest jurisdiction in the state to consider a pause on new data center construction. The Indianapolis City-County Council's Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee advanced a proposed data center moratorium after intense public frustration and debate. The measure, which includes an amendment for a moratorium ending no later than December 31st of next year, passed the committee with a 10-3 vote.
Council President Maggie Lewis introduced the pause, emphasizing that it would allow for crucial conversations and research to establish clearer zoning guidelines, as current regulations do not adequately define data centers. This move comes as some committee Republicans argued for establishing a comprehensive rulebook before implementing a moratorium, describing the current situation as the "Wild West" for tech companies. Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement in support of the measure, noting that 22 other Indiana counties have recognized the need for similar actions.
The amendment, which some argued might lack sufficient enforcement power after the definition of a data center was stripped out, now moves to the full City-County Council. The full council is scheduled to discuss the ordinance and the moratorium amendment at its next meeting on August 10th, following broad public input.