Vanderburgh County holds public forum on data centers with mixed views

The Vanderburgh County Data Center Committee hosted a public forum at Ivy Tech’s auditorium where residents voiced their opinions on proposed data centers, WFIE reported.

Most speakers opposed the data centers, raising issues about water usage, noise, data security, and environmental impacts. Some questioned the necessity of the data centers in the county.

Opponents like Leann Rippy expressed worries about the county's water supply, citing conflicting claims about potential water depletion. Beverly White-Rowley urged the committee to reject data centers outright due to privacy concerns.

Supporters highlighted job creation, with Ryan McRoberts noting that construction would employ hundreds and maintenance jobs would follow. However, Kaleb Brown challenged the supporters' motives, suggesting financial interests influenced their positions.

The committee has maintained a moratorium on data centers for several months while continuing research and public engagement on the issue.