Indiana Protesters Demand Pause on Data Centers outside event with Gov. Mike Braun
Protesters in Merrillville, Indiana, demonstrated outside an event with Governor Mike Braun, urging him to halt the expansion of data centers statewide. They expressed concerns about environmental impacts, water usage, and the use of tax incentives for companies like Google and Amazon, arguing these costs are passed to taxpayers. Residents also voiced frustration over a perceived lack of public input in development decisions.
Protesters from across Indiana gathered in Merrillville on Tuesday, outside a private luncheon attended by Governor Mike Braun, to demand a pause on data center expansion and an end to state tax incentives. The demonstration, held during a Hobart Chamber of Commerce event, highlighted strong community concerns regarding the environmental impact, water consumption, and perceived lack of transparency in data center development.
Residents like Ashley Williams from Michigan City specifically cited ongoing struggles against "the behemoth that is Google" and criticized how data center projects "slipped in through the dead of night." Alice Pawlowski from Hobart echoed these sentiments, expressing fears for future generations and stating, "Our children have no future with this. They're taking our clean air, they're taking out water, they're ruining our environment." She also contrasted community interests with corporate interests, mentioning Amazon.
Bryce Gustafson of the Citizens Action Coalition, from Indianapolis, criticized state leaders for prioritizing large corporations over "everyday Hoosiers," arguing that tax breaks ultimately burden taxpayers. Protesters united in their frustration over a perceived lack of public voice in significant development decisions and the financial burden placed on residents.
Governor Braun, while not directly addressing data centers during the luncheon, discussed the potential for the Chicago Bears to build a stadium in Hammond, a project that also raised concerns among some protesters regarding future tax increases in Lake and Porter Counties. Braun's staff declined an on-camera interview regarding the data center protests.