Allen County residents pack IDEM’s public hearing on Google data center permit

Allen County residents strongly opposed a permit sought by Google to allow more diesel generators, cooling towers, and tanks at its Fort Wayne data center. Community activists like Kimberly Koczan criticized the lack of transparency and communication from officials, who held a public hearing but did not engage in dialogue. Residents testified en masse to "Deny this permit!" citing concerns over the environmental impact. While officials from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) did not comment, they will consider the public feedback before making a decision on the permit.