7-13-26 AREA PLAN COMMISSION MEETING- PART 2

The Warrick County, Indiana Area Plan Commission meeting held on July 13, 2026, focused extensively on the proposed ordinance regulating data centers within the county. Public comments highlighted concerns about the environmental, economic, and infrastructural impacts of data centers, including noise, water usage, energy consumption, and potential effects on local fire departments. Several speakers urged the commission to reconsider or table the ordinance to allow for further expert consultation and more comprehensive regulations. The commission discussed the possibility of a moratorium on data center development until December 2026 to enable more thorough review and ordinance refinement. A motion to draft and consider a moratorium ordinance was passed by a 4-3 vote. Additionally, the commission approved an ordinance allowing public schools, churches, and religious facilities to apply for special use permits for electronic message boards regardless of zoning. The meeting concluded with plans to present the moratorium ordinance for further consideration in the next meeting.