Group proposes constitutional amendment to ban huge AI data centers in Ohio

Rural Ohioans, organized as "Adams County for Responsible Development," are pushing for a statewide constitutional amendment to ban large "mega AI data centers" exceeding 25 megawatts. Led by Danielle Kinhalt, the group submitted a petition to the Ohio Attorney General's office, expressing serious concerns about the significant land and water consumption associated with these facilities. They also highlight a proposed Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit that suggests lowering water quality regulations to accommodate "important social and economic development" linked to data centers, a move Kinhalt finds deeply troubling. The group formed out of frustration with local officials in Adams and Brown counties, who, citing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), allegedly failed to provide answers regarding data center developments. Kinhalt reported that residents felt their local government was unresponsive, leading them to pursue a state-level solution with legal counsel. The proposed amendment is currently awaiting review by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who has until March 26 to assess its accuracy. If approved by Yost and subsequently by the Ohio Ballot Board, the group would need to gather 413,446 valid signatures by July 1 to place the measure on the ballot for a statewide vote. While the Ohio Chamber of Commerce touts data centers as a source of 95,000 jobs by 2024, critics like the Ohio Consumers' Counsel and Ms. Kinhalt contend that these facilities generate few permanent jobs post-construction, questioning the economic benefits given requests for substantial tax breaks.