City-County Council calls for ban on data centers as it weighs new rules for them

The Indianapolis City-County Council is set to discuss a special resolution calling for a temporary halt to new data center approvals. Councilor Jesse Brown introduced the non-binding resolution, which proposes a pause on development for up to a year or until new regulatory frameworks are established. This initiative stems from growing concerns among residents regarding potential impacts on health, the environment, and utility costs associated with data center operations. Officials noted that four data center projects were proposed in the past year, with two already having received approval. While supporters advocate for the pause to address these issues, others highlight the potential economic benefits that data centers could bring to the city. In parallel, the City-County Council is also weighing a proposed zoning ordinance specifically designed to guide and regulate future data center developments in Indianapolis. This ordinance could be presented to the council as early as June, aiming to establish comprehensive rules for the industry.