La Porte County officials voted to create a committee to study potential rules governing future data center development Tuesday, Nov. 25. Photo by Taylor Vick, Unsplash.

News Release

LAPORTE — La Porte County officials have created a committee to study potential rules governing future data center development, responding to increasing public concern about the impact of such facilities.

The county plan commission voted Tuesday, Nov. 25 to form the group, which will review how large data centers should be sited and regulated.

Local leaders say residents have raised questions about how the arrival of energy intensive facilities could affect utility infrastructure and household costs. Community members have also expressed interest in ensuring that companies, not taxpayers, cover the expense of system upgrades. Water usage has become another issue as data centers often rely on significant cooling resources. County officials have noted that residents want greater oversight of how much water these centers consume and how that demand might affect local supplies.

Planners intend to examine where these operations should be allowed within the county. Officials have indicated that industrial zones are likely the most appropriate locations and that residential areas and sites near schools should be avoided.

The goal is to balance economic development with land use compatibility and long term infrastructure planning.

The new committee will review ordinances from other counties and evaluate various regulatory options. Members are expected to deliver recommendations before the next plan commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27.