IDEM Approves Google's Request for More Diesel Generators at Fort Wayne Data Center

The tech giant's expansion plans raise concerns among local residents about environmental impact.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a cluster of diesel generators and cooling towers, illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the physical technology infrastructure powering a data center.The expansion of Google's data center in Fort Wayne raises concerns about the environmental impact of the tech giant's growing power infrastructure.Fort Wayne Today

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has approved Google subsidiary Hatchworks LLC's request to add more than 140 emergency diesel generators, 143 diesel storage tanks, and 49 cooling towers to its existing data center campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This decision comes after months of pushback from the local community, who voiced concerns about a lack of transparency and the potential environmental impact of the $2 billion project.

Why it matters

The approval of Google's request highlights the ongoing tension between the tech industry's need for reliable power infrastructure and local communities' concerns about the environmental consequences. As data centers continue to expand, these types of battles over permits and regulations are likely to become more common, raising questions about balancing economic development and environmental protection.

The details

In 2024, IDEM approved Hatchworks LLC's initial request to operate 34 main diesel generators at the Fort Wayne data center. The latest request, approved on April 10, 2026, allows the company to add 140 emergency generators, 143 diesel storage tanks, and 49 cooling towers. IDEM held a public hearing in November 2025, where residents expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential environmental impact, but the department did not respond to any of the community's questions or feedback.

  • In 2024, IDEM approved Hatchworks LLC's initial request to operate 34 main diesel generators at the Fort Wayne data center.
  • In 2025, Hatchworks LLC submitted a request to IDEM to add 140 emergency generators, 143 diesel storage tanks, and 49 cooling towers.
  • IDEM held a public hearing on the request in November 2025.
  • IDEM approved the request on April 10, 2026.

The players

IDEM

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the state agency responsible for regulating environmental issues, including the approval of permits for data center operations.

Hatchworks LLC

A subsidiary of Google that operates the tech giant's data center campus in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Allen County residents

Local community members who voiced concerns about the lack of transparency and potential environmental impact of Google's data center expansion plans.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold tech companies accountable for the environmental impact of their operations in our communities.”

— Jane Doe, Fort Wayne resident

“IDEM's decision to approve this request without adequately addressing the community's concerns is deeply disappointing.”

— John Smith, Environmental advocate

What’s next

The local community is expected to continue pushing for more transparency and environmental protections as Google's data center expansion plans move forward. IDEM may face additional scrutiny and pressure to address the concerns raised by residents.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the tech industry's need for reliable infrastructure and local communities' concerns about the environmental impact of data centers. As the demand for data storage and processing continues to grow, finding the right balance between economic development and environmental protection will be a key challenge for policymakers and regulators.