Clay County officials, public raise concerns about potential data center during back-to-back meetings
Clay County officials and the public are raising concerns about a potential data center in the area, specifically regarding a power generation permit granted to Blue Power LLC. County commissioners noted that the lack of zoning laws prevents them from issuing a moratorium on data center development. Officials are exploring if voters can weigh in on the matter via a referendum.
Officials in Clay County, Indiana, held two county meetings where the public voiced concerns about a potential data center. The discussions were prompted by an Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) permit issued to Blue Power LLC for power generation, which is expected to supply the proposed data center.
During both the commissioners meeting and the county council meeting, the issue of the data center's development was a key point of public interest. Clay County Commissioner Marty Heffner indicated that without established zoning laws, the county lacks the authority to impose a moratorium or halt any data center-related development in the area.
Heffner stated that officials are investigating the possibility of a voter referendum on the matter, expressing a preference for citizens to make the decision. However, they have been advised that such a referendum might not be permissible, and further inquiry into this option is ongoing.