Proposal to pause new data centers in Michigan City sparks protests over Google exemption
The Michigan City Common Council began considering an ordinance to pause future data center development, but the proposal exempts Google's data center, which is already under construction. Protesters urged the council to remove the exemption before the ordinance advances.
The Michigan City Common Council held the first reading of an ordinance that would pause new data center development in the city. Google's data center, already under construction, would be exempt, along with future phases of that project under the current proposal.
Protesters gathered outside City Hall and called for the exemption to be removed. Councilman Bryant Dabney, a sponsor of the ordinance, said the city does not plan to stop Google's project, citing permitting and building fees already paid to Michigan City. The council may amend the ordinance at a second reading scheduled for Nov. 4.