Plough and four others form subcommittee, also addressing BESS and nuclear developments

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The Kokomo Common Council may have recently established a new industrial park, but what will be developed there may not be what many residents have feared. The council formed a new subcommittee on April 13 to consider a moratorium on data centers, battery energy storage facilities (BESS), and nuclear developments.

The effort is being led by Councilman Jeff Plough (R-4th), who is joined by Councilman Bob Stephenson (D-2nd), Councilwoman Crystal Sanburn (R-6th), Councilman Dave Capshaw (R-1st), and Councilman Tony Stewart (R-at Large).

“For a variety of reasons, several colleagues and I formed a subcommittee to evaluate the potential implementation of moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities and nuclear developments,” Plough stated at the council’s April 13 meeting. “Considerable research has already been conducted, and the subcommittee will continue to gather and assess additional information.

“Given the complexity of these issues and the reported impacts such developments have had on communities, this effort is intended to support the establishment of clear, thoughtful, and appropriate guidelines. Our goal is to ensure that future decisions protect the interests of our residents while safeguarding the environment.”

After the meeting Plough explained that he experienced very little pushback from his fellow council members following his disclosure to them. He also cautioned that the subcommittee will not be working on a rushed timeline.

“I’ve never done this before, or been involved on a subcommittee like this,” said Plough. “We’ll try to push it through as reasonably as we can. We’ll talk about it, and anything that winds up getting drafted will go through (council attorney) Corbin King and (city attorney) TJ Rethlake.”

Plough believes that some measure establishing a moratorium will be developed, though how long that takes and how long the moratorium might last isn’t known. Whether the moratorium passes also isn’t certain. While five council members have agreed to serve on the subcommittee, that doesn’t mean they all will vote in favor of any measure that comes from it.

“We’re looking at next steps,” said Plough. “I have a couple of thoughts and ideas, but it’s not all about me.”