Data Center Moratorium Moves Forward After Indy Council Vote
The Indianapolis City-County Council has voted 23-1 in favor of a temporary moratorium on new data centers, pushing the measure closer to enactment. This ban, supported by Mayor Joe Hogsett, aims to halt new data center projects until the end of 2027 to allow the city to assess impacts on utilities and water services. The ordinance still requires approval from the Metropolitan Development Commission.
The Indianapolis City-County Council recently voted 23-1 to advance a temporary moratorium on new data centers within the city. The measure, which drew cheers from the Public Assembly Room, aims to pause new data center projects until the end of 2027.
Sponsored by Council President Maggie Lewis and supported by Mayor Joe Hogsett, the ordinance intends to provide the city with time to evaluate the strain on local utilities and water services. Lewis emphasized the importance of community discussion to establish future safeguards. Republican Councilor Michael-Paul Hart was the sole dissenting vote, arguing that clear development standards would be preferable to an outright ban, suggesting developers might simply use the pause to prepare future plans.
The moratorium, which only affects new projects, specifically excludes three data centers that received prior approval earlier this year. The proposal now moves to the Metropolitan Development Commission for further consideration, with a potential vote as early as August 19.