Madison County passes short-term data center moratorium
Madison County has joined a handful of counties across Indiana to enact a pause on data center projects. As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, the new moratorium lasts for six months, but some residents want to go even further.
Audio Transcript
Madison County Commissioners voted unanimously for the moratorium, which took effect immediately.
But Susan Hanna was just one of the many people that asked to further limit data centers beyond the temporary pause.
“It seems to be pretty clear that people don’t want this, so a six-month moratorium might buy us some time,” she said. “but what I would really love to see from you guys is an outright ban.” Her comment received loud applause from the crowd.
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Only one person spoke against the moratorium. Monique Flores, Project Manager for the Madison County Economic Development Corporation, said the moratorium would have a negative effect on the economic growth of Madison County.
“The moratorium would diminish our efforts with companies, site selectors, and brokers who are looking for a business-friendly place to make an investment,” she said. “We just want to ensure that the updated standards and ordinances address these concerns without restricting future opportunities.”
The moratorium’s first approval vote came from the Madison County Planning Commission last week, where it passed with just a single no vote. Residents there spoke about the negative effects of data center projects, like the draining of natural resources, utility bill increases and noise pollution.
Commissioner John Richwine said a moratorium of any length gives time to create an ordinance governing future data center projects.
“Whether it’s six months, a year, or even longer, as long as we do a good job,” Richwine said.
Madison County officials say the county has not received any official data center proposals. Richwine said the moratorium will stop the submission of any data center project completely.
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The Madison County Planning Commission will consider a possible recommendation to extend the moratorium to a full year at its next meeting.
Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer. Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu.
