Metropolitan Development Commission unanimously approves data center moratorium

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission has unanimously enacted a data center moratorium, effectively prohibiting new data center construction in Indianapolis through December 31, 2027. The 6-0 vote by the commission makes Marion County the latest locality to pause such developments, a move supported by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Council President Maggie Lewis. The moratorium aims to facilitate comprehensive research into data center development and its potential impacts on the community and environment, leading to the implementation of new, responsible regulations.

Despite the moratorium, three data center projects previously approved by the commission will move forward, including a DC BLOX campus approved on July 15. The Department of Metropolitan Development will now collaborate with the Mayor’s office and the City-County Council to hire a consultant, conduct industry research, and form an Advisory Committee of industry professionals and community stakeholders. This committee will provide recommendations for a revised zoning ordinance to be considered by the City-County Council and MDC.

The local action in Indianapolis comes amidst broader discussions on data center development. U.S. Rep. André Carson, D-Ind. District 7, recently introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act at the federal level, joined by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). This federal bill was proposed following Meta's announcement of its America’s Workforce Academy initiative. The article also notes ongoing data center activities across Indiana, including Google’s construction in Morgan County, proposals in Hendricks and Henry counties, and a rejected rezoning in Clinton County. Resistance from residents against new data center proposals persists in various communities due to concerns over electricity usage and loss of farmland, despite proponents citing economic benefits.