Marshall County commissioners ban data centers, advance new limit on solar projects - WNDU

Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - Marshall County commissioners banned data centers and moved forward on new restrictions for solar projects and battery storage systems. The data center ban is permanent, not a moratorium. County leaders said it may be the first such ban in Indiana. Commissioners also advanced a new limit for solar projects, capping them at five acres. The plan passed on first reading and comes up for another vote in two weeks. Commissioners approved new rules for battery storage systems, requiring a quarter-mile setback from any adjoining property line. Commission President Stan Klotz said residents don’t want what he called a potential “HAZMAT site,” pointing to tornado damage at the Wheatfield solar farm as a concern. The votes could become a roadmap for other counties considering data centers, solar and battery storage, which could impact jobs, land use and energy development across the area. Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest news coverage. Copyright 2026 WNDU. All rights reserved.