Indy invited to weigh in on data center growth
Indianapolis city officials, utility leaders, and environmental advocates are set to discuss the rapid growth of data centers in a virtual forum. The discussion will focus on the implications for residents, including concerns about rising utility bills and environmental impacts. This event aims to explore how Indianapolis will balance industry needs with community concerns.
A virtual forum is scheduled for June 24 at 6 p.m. to address the rapid expansion of data centers in Indianapolis and its implications for local residents. The event, which will be livestreamed on the Facebook pages of the African American Coalition of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Recorder, will feature a panel of city officials, utility leaders, and environmental advocates.
Panelists include Jeff Harrison, president and CEO of Citizens Energy Group; Brandi Davis-Handy, president of AES Indiana; Ben Inskeep of the Citizens Action Coalition; and Maggie Lewis, president of the City-County Council. Marshawn Wolley of Black Onyx Management will moderate the discussion.
The forum comes amid growing concerns over the energy-intensive nature of data centers, particularly those powering AI technology, and their potential to impact utility bills and the environment. A recent Gallup poll indicated that 70% of Americans oppose local data center construction for AI. The discussion will explore how Indianapolis plans to balance industry needs with community concerns, as other localities consider bans or regulations.