Vanderburgh County received 50 applications for the Data Center Research Committee by Thursday deadline

WNIN | By Tim Jagielo

Published August 21, 2026 at 10:51 AM CDT

"My main concern is making sure the committee has the independence and expertise necessary to do that work," said resident Christopher Newman at the Aug. 8 Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission Meeting. He was concerned with the initially suggested five-member committee. For the most recent ordinance, there is no cap on members, and the application page suggested it could have 11 members. After public comment, the APC voted to recommend the ordinance to the County Commission. — "My main concern is making sure the committee has the independence and expertise necessary to do that work," said resident Christopher Newman at the Aug. 8 Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission Meeting. He was concerned with the initially suggested five-member committee. For the most recent ordinance, there is no cap on members, and the application page suggested it could have 11 members.
After public comment, the APC voted to recommend the ordinance to the County Commission.

Technically Vanderburgh County doesn’t have an ordinance yet — but they’re expected to vote on the local rule on Tuesday morning and appoint the committee.

This is the group that will look into data centers in-depth and bring findings to the commission to better inform a local ordinance to regulate them.

Warrick County passed a similar ordinance, but their moratorium will last longer, at 180 days.

"The intent being that I believe that the county wants to move this along this process along quickly," said Vanderburgh County APC member Dirck Stahl at the early august meeting.

"Obviously, they still have the ability to extend it if necessary, but the intent is to have it done by the end of the year."

Posey County is working through a local rule to regulate such projects, with a large listening session held this week. So far Gibson County does not have a rule in the works.

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