Warrick County commission president issues statement after data center forum
Warrick County Commission President Sarah Seaton criticized the Area Plan Commission for not favorably recommending a proposed ordinance regulating data center development. Residents at a public forum opposed data centers and questioned their benefits, while Seaton argued that enforceable countywide standards are needed to address impacts on electricity, water, traffic and surrounding communities.
Warrick County Commission President Sarah Seaton issued a statement after a public forum on a proposed data center ordinance, where residents expressed opposition and concerns about transparency. The Warrick County Area Plan Commission did not provide a favorable recommendation for the ordinance, which Seaton said was developed over several months by county officials and staff.
Seaton argued that simply banning data centers in areas under county jurisdiction would not prevent development in incorporated cities and towns with separate land-use authority. She said potential hyperscale facilities could affect electrical infrastructure, water resources, traffic, emergency services and neighboring properties across the county, and urged officials to establish appropriate locations, enforceable standards and a process that broadly shares financial benefits while protecting residents.