Indiana

Data center activity in Indiana

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Regulatory Environment Score
B
-12 pts

Indiana's regulatory environment is defined by a high volume of moratorium activity, with at least 20 moratoriums enacted and only 1 rejected, making it one of the more moratorium-heavy states in the Midwest. Despite this friction, zoning outcomes have been reasonably favorable with at least 37 approvals against 6 denials, and at least 9 projects have been approved despite opposition compared to 2 blocked. The presence of at least 46 companies reflects strong market confidence even in the face of regulatory headwinds. Unlike neighboring Ohio, where moratorium counts are even higher, Indiana maintains a better balance between development approvals and restrictions. High data confidence supported by 648 clips provides a reliable picture of conditions on the ground.

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Hobart board hires firm to oversee construction at data center sites
News ClipChicago Tribune·Hobart, Lake County, IN

Hobart board hires firm to oversee construction at data center sites

Hobart officials have hired Skillman Corp. to oversee the construction and day-to-day operations of two Amazon data center sites at 61st Avenue and Colorado Street. This agreement, budgeted at $3.9 million through 2030, follows the unanimous approval of the site plans by the Hobart Plan Commission in May. The approval process included a lengthy public meeting with significant security and one arrest.

6/9/2026
Meta Chooses Indiana for New $115M AI Workforce Academy
News ClipWIBC·Indianapolis, Boone County, IN

Meta Chooses Indiana for New $115M AI Workforce Academy

Meta has launched America's Workforce Academy, a $115 million initiative to train skilled tradespeople for AI infrastructure and data center construction. Indiana, with Indianapolis as a training site and Boone County as a recruitment partner, is one of four pilot states for the program. The academy offers paid, debt-free training and guaranteed job offers to address a national shortage of construction workers for the tech sector.

6/9/2026
News ClipIndyStar·Indianapolis, Marion County, IN

Meta to offer free training in Indy for workers to build data centers

Meta announced a new, free program called America's Workforce Academy in Indianapolis to train workers for data center construction jobs. This initiative is part of a $115 million investment and guarantees jobs with Meta contractors upon graduation. Indianapolis is one of four pilot sites for the national program, which aims to address the shortage of skilled tradespeople for data center development.

6/9/2026
Data center concerns voiced at town hall meeting
News ClipMadison Courier·Madison, Jefferson County, IN

Data center concerns voiced at town hall meeting

A town hall meeting in Jefferson County, Indiana, addressed community concerns regarding a proposed data center. The event followed the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals' decision to deny an appeal against the building inspector's approval, affirming the data center's compliance with heavy industrial zoning. Residents were encouraged to seek a moratorium and an ordinance to regulate data centers, while also considering legal action.

6/8/2026
News ClipIndyStar·Merom, Sullivan County, IN

Indiana coal plant with data center ties gets $27M federal subsidy

The Merom Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in Indiana, received $27 million in federal subsidies from the Trump administration to modernize under the Defense Production Act. This plant, which provides energy to a cryptocurrency mining operation, has an agreement to sell electricity to NIPSCO Generation, a subsidiary established to power data centers in northern Indiana. The subsidy has drawn criticism from environmental and conservative groups who view it as an abuse of emergency powers and a handout to the coal industry.

6/8/2026
Notre Dame expert talks Indiana's data center boom
News Clip5:53Inside Indiana Business·IN

Notre Dame expert talks Indiana's data center boom

Indiana is experiencing a data center boom with significant investments from companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, driven by AI and cloud computing demands. While generating jobs and tax revenue, this growth is met with community concerns over energy and water consumption, land use, and quality of life. Experts attribute Indiana's appeal to its infrastructure and supportive state environment, placing it as a critical player in national tech development.

6/7/2026
Proposed data center in Madison raises questions from residents
News Clip2:28WDRB News - Official·Madison, Jefferson County, IN

Proposed data center in Madison raises questions from residents

A large proposed data center in Madison, Indiana, is drawing significant concern from local residents. Neighbors are worried about potential impacts on utilities, water bills, and property values, and there's a perceived lack of transparency from the developers. The county has passed an economic revitalization area resolution that could lead to tax abatements for the project.

6/6/2026
Bristol residents call for moratorium on data centers
News ClipThe Elkhart Truth·Bristol, Elkhart County, IN

Bristol residents call for moratorium on data centers

Residents in Bristol, Indiana, are actively opposing the potential construction of a data center in their town. They are signing a petition and calling for a moratorium on data center developments, gathering at the municipal building to voice their concerns.

6/6/2026
AI data center boom risks breakup of biggest US power grid operator
News ClipIndianapolis Business Journal·Carmel, Hamilton County, IN

AI data center boom risks breakup of biggest US power grid operator

The rapid boom in AI data centers is causing significant strain on PJM Interconnection LLC, the largest US power grid operator, raising concerns about its potential breakup. Such a development would make Carmel, Indiana-based Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) the leading electric grid operator in the nation.

6/5/2026
Posey County residents oppose potential data centers
News Clip2:20Eyewitness News WEHT WTVW·Posey County, IN

Posey County residents oppose potential data centers

Residents in Posey County, Indiana, have formed a group called "Posey County against data centers" and held their first meeting to oppose potential data center developments. While no official proposals exist yet, the group aims to educate the community and engage with local leaders regarding the potential impacts and sales tax exemptions.

6/5/2026
IDEM hosts online public hearing for Schahfer permit draft
News ClipChicago Tribune·Wheatfield, Jasper County, IN

IDEM hosts online public hearing for Schahfer permit draft

Northwest Indiana residents testified at an online public hearing hosted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regarding permit changes for NIPSCO's R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield. Opponents voiced concerns that the proposed permit, linked to a 2.6 gigawatt gas plant in Jasper County to power Amazon's data centers, would worsen air quality and increase pollution. IDEM is reviewing comments and will issue a decision later.

6/4/2026
Shelbyville mayor criticized for data center comments
News Clip1:34WTHR·Shelbyville, Shelby County, IN

Shelbyville mayor criticized for data center comments

The mayor of Shelbyville, Indiana, is facing criticism for comments made regarding data centers. The specific nature of the comments and the criticism is not detailed in the provided information.

6/4/2026