Indiana Counties Work on Data Center Ordinances Amid Public Concerns
Three Indiana counties (Posey, Warrick, and Vanderburgh) are actively working on data center ordinances due to significant public opposition and environmental concerns. Warrick County has enacted a 180-day moratorium to study the issue further, while Vanderburgh County approved its ordinance and formed a research committee. Posey County continues to draft its ordinance, with residents expressing strong concerns about environmental and utility impacts.
Posey, Warrick, and Vanderburgh counties in Indiana are actively pursuing new ordinances to regulate data center developments following a surge in public concern and protests. In Posey County, a special meeting of the Area Plan Commission was packed with residents, many wearing red shirts to protest data centers, as they reviewed the first draft of an ordinance. Resident Shannon Straw voiced environmental concerns, stating that impacts on geoscientists and hydrologists suggest environmental costs outweigh economic benefits.
Warrick County was the first to act, passing an ordinance on August 11 that enacted a 180-day moratorium on data center permitting and established a study group. Ryan Stratman from Citizens Action Coalition supported this moratorium as a prudent measure. Conversely, John Bates of a local plumbers and steamfitters union argued for the economic benefits, citing construction and maintenance jobs, but also acknowledged the need to address environmental and utility rate concerns. Joseph Gollner, a tech industry employee, cautioned against overestimating on-site high-tech jobs, suggesting many are remote.
Vanderburgh County approved its own ordinance on August 25 and appointed a 13-member research committee, including Evansville Climate Collaborative Director Lauren Lynch and John Bates, to study data center impacts and learn from other communities. Indiana Governor Mike Braun has also expressed support for data center development within the state, emphasizing national security. Posey County is scheduled for another public work session on its ordinance in late September, as the counties navigate complex issues of economic development, environmental protection, and public sentiment.