U.S. municipalities implement data center moratoriums

Multiple municipalities across the United States are implementing moratoriums or considering bans on data center developments due to community concerns regarding noise, environmental impact, and zoning adequacy.

In Marion County, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission unanimously voted to pause new data center approvals until at least December 31, 2027. The move follows protests over local proposals and includes the creation of an expert committee to study building height, sound levels, and environmental impacts. This moratorium does not affect three previously approved projects.

In Palm Beach County, the Zoning Commission recommended a one-year moratorium to allow for the development of stricter permanent regulations. This follows controversy surrounding a multi-billion-dollar hyperscale AI data center proposal, known as Project Tango, which faced significant resident opposition.

Other regional actions include Clackamas County advancing a temporary ban on new applications for up to 120 days, and North Berwick, Maine, preparing to ask voters in November whether to permanently ban data center projects exceeding 25,000 square feet.