Council leader to introduce data center moratorium
The president of the Indianapolis City-County Council plans to introduce a proposal for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. The pause aims to allow city officials and stakeholders to evaluate the long-term impacts of these developments. The proposed moratorium would not affect projects already approved, such as those by Metrobloks, Sabey, and DC Blox.
Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis announced plans to introduce a proposal for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. The Democrat will present the ban at the July 13 meeting of the council’s Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee. Lewis stated the pause is intended to allow the council, Mayor Joe Hogsett's administration, and community stakeholders to evaluate the long-term impacts of such developments, emphasizing responsible leadership and transparent decision-making.
The proposed moratorium would not impact projects already approved, specifically mentioning Metrobloks’ data center in Martindale Brightwood, Sabey’s data center in Decatur Township, and DC Blox's proposal. If the committee approves Lewis’ amendment, the measure would then advance to the full council for a potential vote in August. Further approval from the 9-member Metropolitan Development Commission would also be required.
Mayor Joe Hogsett, who chairs Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., has previously expressed support for data centers, though a spokesperson did not comment on Lewis's amendment. The draft proposal for the moratorium includes considerations for water management, electrical capacity, and noise mitigation, indicating the scope of review planned during the potential pause.