In a decisive move that could set a precedent for other communities across the state, the Marshall County Commissioners voted Monday to permanently ban data centers and impose strict new regulations on large-scale solar and battery energy storage developments.
The permanent ban on data centers takes effect immediately, replacing a one-year moratorium the county previously had in place to block the development of data centers and industrial-scale solar farms. County leaders noted that this may be the first permanent ban of its kind in Indiana.
"We've been working for the last year and a half on making sure we have the right protections in place for the people of Marshall County," Commissioner Jesse Bohannon said on GIANT fm WTCA’s morning show. "This is a big issue around the state, and people have been coming in trying to put in data centers and battery energy storage and farm-scale solar and then the carbon sequestration as well."
In addition to the data center ban, the commissioners adopted an ordinance placing heavy restrictions on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These facilities will now require a strict 1,320—foot (a quarter-mile) setback from the nearest adjoining property line.
Commission President Stan Klotz emphasized safety concerns regarding these facilities, stating that residents do not want what he described as a potential "HAZMAT site" in their backyards. Klotz pointed to recent tornado damage at a solar farm in Wheatfield as a primary example of the risks involved.
The commissioners also advanced the first reading of new regulations targeting large-scale solar farms. The proposed ordinance would cap solar projects at a maximum of five acres of solar panel area. The plan passed its first reading on Monday and will be up for a final vote at the commissioners' next meeting on May 4th.
While Marshall County already had some rules governing these industries, officials, guided by experts brought in by the battery subcommittee, felt the existing framework did not fully protect the county's interests or its agricultural landscape.
According to Bohannon, future energy development in the county could instead focus on natural gas generation facilities or even small nuclear reactors, which require significantly less land.
As energy development continues to be a pressing issue statewide, Marshall County's aggressive legislative approach could serve as a roadmap for other counties grappling with the impacts of data centers, solar farms, and battery storage on local land use and job creation.
SW Parke projected to save over a million dollars closing Montezuma Elementary
Changes coming to South Vermillion School Corporation's cell phone policy
Domestic incident results in arrest in Parke County
Crawfordsville man faces list of felony child sex charges
Domestic incident results in arrest in Parke County
Clinton man nabbed in burglary case
Indiana releases update to the State Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Bridge closure to impact State Road 32 over Prairie Creek in Fountain County
13 members of armed drug trafficking and dog fighting ring sentenced
Food sport’s biggest stage will be at Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center
Education Union for ISTA staff files unfair labor charges
People urged to take precautions against tick-borne disease as risk increases with warmer weather
Hoosiers may qualify for free well water testing
FBI joins search for missing Owen County woman
