Indianapolis adopts data center moratorium
Indianapolis has adopted a data center moratorium, pausing all new data center developments until the end of 2027. The Metropolitan Development Commission unanimously approved the measure to allow the city time to establish stronger regulations and community standards for future projects. This decision was supported by the City-County Council and Mayor Joe Hogsett, though one council member opposed it.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission has unanimously approved a data center moratorium, pausing all new data center developments in Indianapolis through the end of 2027. This decision, supported by the City-County Council and Mayor Joe Hogsett, aims to provide the city with time to establish more robust regulations and minimum standards for future data center projects.
Bryce Gustafson, a program organizer with Citizens Action Coalition, expressed relief at the vote, noting it was "18 months in the making" but emphasized that it was "half time" and more work was needed to implement effective "guardrails" for these projects.
City-County Council member Dan Boots stated that the city is pursuing "quite extensive regulations" and plans a nationwide survey and expert consultations to inform these policies. However, Council member Michael-Paul Hart opposed the moratorium, arguing it would merely pause development until a new, less educated city council is in place in 2028, potentially leading to future issues for the city. Hart was the lone council vote against the measure.