Rural Ohio residents are pushing to ban data centers larger than 25 megawatts by amending the state constitution, saying communities have little say in approving the massive facilities.
The group submitted petitions to the Ohio Attorney General’s office last Monday after collecting about 1,800 signatures in just over a week. If approved, supporters would have until July to gather roughly 413,000 valid signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.
Backers cite concerns over environmental impacts, heavy water use, and rising electricity costs, while opponents note data centers bring investment, jobs, and tax revenue. The debate over economic benefits versus local impacts could be decided by Ohio voters this fall.
