INDIANAPOLIS — Frustrated by a lack of legislative action, a coalition of residents, experts, and lawmakers will convene at the Indiana State Library next Tuesday for “The People’s Hearing on Data Centers.” The event, organized by the community group Hoosier Action, comes in response to the rapid proliferation of massive data center projects across the state. Critics argue these facilities—often backed by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta—threaten Indiana’s power grid, consume millions of gallons of water, and contribute to skyrocketing utility bills for residential ratepayers.
Despite bipartisan concern, several key pieces of legislation aimed at regulating the industry stalled during the 2026 Indiana General Assembly. Both Senate Bill 79 and House Bill 1043, which sought to address the environmental and economic impacts of these energy-intensive facilities, failed to receive a committee hearing this session.
“Because of the failure of the Indiana General Assembly to address growing public concern, we are bringing the conversation directly to the people,” a spokesperson for Hoosier Action stated.
Recent reports indicate that data centers now account for a massive portion of Indiana’s energy profile. According to the Citizens Action Coalition, some proposed clusters could consume nearly half of the state’s total power output—a demand roughly equivalent to 1.5 million households.
Key Concerns Cited by Advocates:
- Energy Consumption: Data centers are among the most energy-intensive infrastructure in the world, often running 24/7.
- Utility Rates: Hoosiers already pay some of the highest utility bills in the country. Advocates worry that the infrastructure upgrades needed to support data centers will be passed on to everyday consumers.
- Water Usage: High-density server cooling can require millions of gallons of water daily, straining local aquifers in towns like Hobart, Clarksville, and Fort Wayne.
The public is invited to attend the hearing to voice concerns and hear from a panel of impacted residents and state leaders.
- What: The People’s Hearing on Data Centers
- When: Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Where: Indiana State Library (History Reference Room), 315 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Confirmed Speakers Include:
- State Sen. JD Ford (D-District 29)
- State Sen. Greg Walker (R-District 41)
- Bryce Gustafson, Citizen Action Coalition
- Kegan Cain, Rachel Wurfel, and Anthony Mattingly, Impacted community members from Jeffersonville
“From Hobart to Clarksville, Hoosiers have packed public halls to fight back against corporate-backed projects. It’s time our state leaders listened,” Hoosier Action statement.
About Hoosier Action
Hoosier Action is an independent, homegrown community organization based in Southern Indiana. The group focuses on ensuring that everyday Hoosiers—regardless of income—have a seat at the table when decisions regarding the state’s resources and economic future are made.
