1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Subject: Indiana Must Pause AI Data Center Expansion and Protect Residents from Grid and Environmental Harm Dear Governor and Members of the Indiana General Assembly, I am writing to urge the State of Indiana to enact an immediate pause on new AI and hyperscale data center construction until transparent, enforceable policies are established to protect residents, ratepayers, and local communities. Indiana is currently experiencing a rapid influx of large-scale AI data centers approved at extraordinary speed, often with minimal public disclosure and under non-disclosure agreements that prevent residents and local officials from understanding the true scope of these projects. This lack of transparency undermines democratic decision-making and erodes public trust. The risks are significant and unresolved. First, grid strain and utility cost shifting. Hyperscale AI data centers place extreme, continuous loads on regional electric grids. Utilities are expanding infrastructure with guaranteed returns, while residents and small businesses are left to absorb higher rates. This is not free-market development—it is forced cost transfer from the public to private corporations. Second, environmental and public health harm. Communities have raised credible concerns about excessive water use, nitrate discharge into local water supplies, persistent noise pollution, air quality degradation, and long-term ecosystem damage. These impacts are routinely minimized during the approval process, leaving residents to deal with the consequences after permits are granted. Third, economic risk and stranded infrastructure. Many AI data center operators rely on speculative business models and generous tax abatements. If these companies fail, consolidate, or relocate, Indiana communities will be left with oversized grid investments, degraded land and water, and no mechanism for recovery. Fourth, erosion of local control. Zoning authority is increasingly bypassed or constrained, while NDAs limit the ability of local governments and residents to evaluate projects that permanently alter their communities. These developments are not driven by demand from Indiana residents. They are driven by profit-seeking corporations, private equity firms, and utilities whose profits are guaranteed regardless of outcome. Entities insulated from risk should not dictate the use of essential resources such as water, land, and electricity. Indiana must slow down before irreversible harm is done. A temporary pause would allow the state to: * Conduct independent environmental and grid impact assessments * Establish transparency requirements and prohibit abusive NDAs * Protect ratepayers from subsidizing private infrastructure * Preserve local zoning authority and meaningful public input This is not opposition to technology. It is responsible governance. I urge you to act now to protect Indiana residents, resources, and democratic processes. Thank you.