Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the state is pausing consideration of new tax exemptions for data centers while lawmakers study the long-term impact these massive projects are having across Ohio communities.
In a statement released Wednesday, DeWine said data centers remain a major part of Ohio’s growing technology economy and have helped attract billions of dollars in investment and new jobs statewide. According to the governor, data centers that previously received sales and use tax benefits reported more than $27.2 billion in capital investment during 2025 alone.
However, the governor also said Ohio leaders need more time to evaluate the full impact of rapid data center growth, including effects on local communities, infrastructure, utilities, and long-term economic development.
DeWine stated that he supports the Ohio General Assembly’s effort to study the issue and gather more information before additional tax exemptions are approved. Because of that review, he believes the Ohio Tax Credit Authority should temporarily pause consideration of new data center tax breaks.
The announcement comes as Ohio continues seeing increased interest from major technology and artificial intelligence companies looking to build large-scale data operations throughout the state.
