US Counties Move to Ban Hyperscale Data Centers

Local governing bodies across the United States are increasingly restricting the development of hyperscale data centers. In Indiana, four Republican members of the St. Joseph County Council filed an ordinance on August 26 to permanently ban new facilities. This proposal marks a shift from a previously discussed two-year moratorium and aligns with demands from Democratic council members. The ban would not affect existing operations by Amazon and Microsoft, but Councilwoman Amy Drake argued the move prevents economic over-reliance on a single industry.

Similar restrictions are appearing in other states. The Skamania County Board of Commissioners in Washington unanimously passed a moratorium on August 18, citing public concerns regarding noise, pollution, and water usage. In Georgia, Bulloch County commissioners are scheduled to meet on September 1 to consider a zoning amendment for a permanent ban, while a temporary pause remains in effect through the end of 2026. In Kansas, the Sedgwick County Commission is considering extending its current application pause through December 24 to refine zoning rules.

Reactions to these measures are divided. Jeff Rea of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce warned that a permanent ban in Indiana could signal the region is not open for business. Conversely, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner stated that his commission's pause is intended to ensure the county is thorough in its approach rather than simply delaying the issue.