At least 50 Indiana counties have adopted policies restricting data-center development, according to a tracker maintained by Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana Public Media (WFYI) reported on October 22. The Indianapolis Focal reported the same tally the same day.

Source: Indiana Public Media (WFYI)

The institute's data shows 32 counties have passed moratoriums, 14 have adopted regulatory ordinances, and in four communities data centers are not permitted. Marshall County has made its ban permanent, and Starke County approved a ban on Monday, October 19, while Steuben County adopted a six-month policy on September 15.

Source: The Indianapolis Focal

The count has risen sharply since July, when about 30 communities had enacted some form of ban. "What we're seeing that's new but not really surprising since July is an increased number of moratoria, and also several of those moratoria becoming permanent decisions," said Therese Dorau, the institute's Assistant Director for Climate Policy and Implementation.

Why communities are pausing

Data centers house the computer servers behind cloud computing, streaming and artificial intelligence, and because the servers run constantly and generate heat, the facilities can draw enormous amounts of electricity and water. Local opposition has centred on electricity, water and land use, along with noise, air pollution and questions over whether long-term jobs and other economic benefits reach local communities, both outlets reported.

The local pushback comes even as Indiana state lawmakers have created policies to lure developers, including tax breaks and other incentives that have attracted companies such as Google, Amazon and Meta. Earlier in October, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved a $737.3 million plan (yaani about $0.74 billion) by AES Indiana to power a 390-megawatt Google data center project in Monrovia; the companies said Google will cover 100% of the costs, but critics are concerned $74 million in transmission upgrades will be passed to customers, WFYI reported.

Moratorium lengths vary. Marion County's pause, passed in August, runs through the end of 2027 and created a research committee to study the topic and propose zoning regulations, while DeKalb County's six-month moratorium expired earlier this month. Dorau said a responsible use of a moratorium is to take a pause for more in-depth research rather than to make a permanent decision.