What’s happening in Indiana
Indiana is at the center of two alarming data center stories. The state hosts multiple massive projects — including Meta’s mega-campus in Lebanon and Amazon expansions in Fort Wayne, Michigan City, and Hobart — and the backlash has turned violent.
In April 2026, an Indiana councilman’s home was targeted with gunfire after he supported rezoning for a proposed data center project. A note was left at the scene reading “No Data Centers.” While advocacy groups condemned the violence, online reactions revealed deep sympathy with the underlying opposition. The incident was cited as a PBS example of how tensions around data center development are escalating beyond traditional civic engagement.
The broader pattern in Indiana mirrors what’s happening nationwide: communities are being asked to absorb the environmental and infrastructure costs of facilities that promise thousands of jobs during construction but employ only a handful of permanent workers once operational. Sullivan and Shelbyville have also been targeted by developers.
In 2026 alone, more than 300 data center-related bills were filed across 30+ states. At least 79 communities rejected or restricted data center projects in the first four months of the year — surpassing all of 2025. Energy analyst Robert Bryce called the backlash “unprecedented” in his 40-year career.
Why Indiana residents are concerned
Water supply. A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling operations — equivalent to the daily water use of approximately 10,000 homes. Nationally, AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Electricity rates. Data centers draw continuous, massive power loads — 50 to 300+ megawatts per facility. Without dedicated rate structures, residential ratepayers absorb the cost of grid upgrades needed to serve these industrial loads. At least 18 states have introduced bills in 2026 creating special rate classes for large energy users.
Property values. Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — negatively impacts residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, continuous noise, and industrial traffic are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.
Noise. Data center cooling systems and backup generators produce persistent low-frequency noise that operates 24/7. Residents near facilities in Virginia, Georgia, and across the country report sleep disruption, elevated stress, and degraded quality of life.
Environment. Data centers generate diesel emissions from backup generators, increase impervious surface coverage causing stormwater runoff, and create heat island effects. Construction permanently removes land from agricultural or ecological use.
How to oppose a data center in Indiana
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How can I oppose a data center in Indiana?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.