Voters approve data center size limits in Oregon, Defiance and Upper Sandusky, Ohio

Voters in three Ohio communities approved charter amendments restricting data center projects to 25 megawatts. In Oregon, Mayor Steven Salander said the measure ended plans for Vantage's proposed data center near Corduroy and Wynn roads, leaving the city waiting to learn whether the company holding the land agreement will pursue a smaller facility or cancel the deal.

Defiance Mayor Mike McCann said the data center industry failed to build public trust and that the amendment sends a message that large facilities are not welcome there at this time. Although he acknowledged that data centers can provide economic benefits, he said the new limits could deter future development, while Oregon officials are reviewing their budget in anticipation of losing potential tax revenue.