Braun Urges Local Control, Stricter Standards For Indiana Data Centers

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun holds a news conference in his Statehouse office on Monday, March 9, 2026. Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle. News Release INDIANAPOLIS — As data center development accelerates across Indiana, Gov. Mike Braun is calling for stricter requirements on large-scale projects while maintaining that approval decisions should remain at the local level. The state has seen a rapid increase in data infrastructure, with more than 70 data centers currently operating and dozens more under consideration. Indiana ranks third in the Midwest for data center density, behind Illinois and Ohio. Recent projects include an $11 billion artificial intelligence data center launched by Amazon on 1,200 acres of former farmland in St. Joseph County , with plans for an additional $15 billion facility in Hobart. Braun has argued that companies developing these sites should bear the full cost of required power grid upgrades , rather than shifting those expenses to ratepayers. Concerns have grown among residents and businesses that the high electricity demand might increase utility costs. Water usage has also emerged as a key issue, with concerns that the large volumes needed to cool computer systems could strain groundwater supplies and impact crops. Braun has said new facilities should include systems to recycle water instead of relying solely on local aquifers. Despite these concerns, Braun maintains that expanding data and AI infrastructure is critical for economic competitiveness , particularly as the United States seeks to keep pace with global rivals such as China. He has emphasized that counties should retain authority to weigh the economic benefits against potential local impacts when deciding whether to approve new projects. Copy the Link Send via Email Share on Facebook Share on X You May Also Be Interested In Braun Signals Openness To Marijuana Legalization, Report Outlines Policy Considerations Lawsuits Allege Abuse, Medical Neglect Of Miami Correctional ICE Detainee The Chicago Bears Move Forward With Indiana Stadium Apr Copy the Link Send via Email Share on Facebook Share on X Categories Recent News Tags AI infrastructure Amazon artificial intelligence China data center development data centers economic competitiveness Gov. Mike Braun Governor of Indiana groundwater supplies Hobart hyperscalers Illinois Indiana Indianapolis local government authority Midwest data centers Mike Braun Ohio power grid upgrades Republican Party St. Joseph County united states utility bills water recycling Connect with Ink Free News InkFreeNews has a new email address for all news-related items. Please use [email protected] for news releases, questions, concerns and story ideas. About the Author