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IBJ: 3 counties put moratoriums on data center projects

November 21, 2025 in Recent Media Coverage

A conceptual aerial rendering of plans for a Metrobloks data center in Martindale-Brightwood's former Sherman Drive In site. (provided by the City of Indianapolis)

Three Indiana counties have enacted moratoriums on new data-center projects amid rising public concern about water use, transparency and long-term infrastructure impacts. The pause comes as state officials advocate for rapid data-center expansion to support economic development and emerging AI demands, setting up renewed tension between local control and statewide energy-policy goals. The Indianapolis Business Journal spoke to University of Indianapolis Assistant Professor of Political Science Gregory Shufeldt for analysis about the dynamic between state preemption and local authority, specifically regarding the issue of infrastructure planning. His expertise offers context for understanding how home-rule conflicts emerge and why this issue has not aligned with traditional red-versus-blue patterns.