Most Speakers Oppose Vanderburgh Data Centers

The Vanderburgh County Data Center Research Committee heard public comment Tuesday evening at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville, where most speakers opposed data centers, 14 News reported.

A Nov. 9 Hoosier First report previewed the 5-to-7 p.m. Central session and described the committee's charge and the county's deferral of new data-center applications. The evening forum was held in the Ivy Tech auditorium, as planned.

Most who spoke opposed the facilities, according to 14 News. Others backed them, saying they would bring jobs and strengthen the community. Opponents cited water use, noise, data security and environmental impact. Several questioned whether data centers are needed at all. Many opponents spoke two or even three times, the station reported.

Leann Rippy said she wants answers about the county's water supply. "A geologist told us that all of our water is going to be dried up within 5 mile radius and within a short period of time. The data center representatives say different. Who's correct? Who's going to fix our water well if it's damaged or drained?"

Beverly White-Rowley urged the committee to reject data centers outright. "If you love your family, just say absolutely not to data centers. We don't need any more data. I can find out about you and you and you and you and everyone in here on the Internet today. I don't need to know all your dirt."

Supporters said the facilities would create work. Ryan McRoberts said construction alone would employ many people. "These data centers will provide hundreds and thousands of jobs for construction over the next couple of years. They will also provide dozens and dozens of maintenance jobs after the facility is up and going."

Some opponents said data-center supporters stand to profit, 14 News reported. Kaleb Brown said the people speaking in favor have a financial stake. "The only people who've had anything positive to say about this data center all have financial gain to make from the situation. They all have construction businesses. The only people that are for this have a financial incentive. When does the money stop? I guarantee you every single person sitting in this chair makes more money than I do."

A moratorium on data centers has been in place for the past few months while the committee researches their impacts, according to 14 News. The earlier Hoosier First report set out the terms of that deferral.

The committee is preparing a report and recommendation for the Vanderburgh County commissioners. Officials said they will consider all of the public comment ahead of the next meeting, scheduled for Nov. 17, 14 News reported. The county's board page lists the committee's Tuesday meetings from 1 to 3 p.m. Central in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex.

WWBL also reported Wednesday that most residents who spoke were opposed and that a moratorium remains in place while the committee does research.