Grassroots campaign clears another hurdle in effort to ban large data centers in Ohio

The Ohio ballot board has unanimously approved a proposed constitutional amendment to ban large data centers in the state, allowing it to proceed as a single ballot issue. This decision marks another step for the grassroots organization, Ohio Residents for Responsible Development, which advocates for the ban, asserting that data centers are a non-partisan issue impacting all residents. The proposed amendment seeks to prohibit large data centers that consume more than 25 megawatts of power per month from operating anywhere in Ohio. Concerns raised by the group include high energy and water usage, the acquisition of farmland, and increased property taxes due to inflated property values. However, not everyone agrees with a total ban; Dan Diorio, VP of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, issued a statement warning that a statewide moratorium would deter investment, undermine Ohio's economic growth, and signal that the state is unfavorable for business. Ohio Residents for Responsible Development now faces the significant challenge of collecting over 400,000 valid signatures by July 1st to secure a spot for the amendment on the November ballot. State Senator Bill Demoa expressed skepticism about the feasibility of meeting this deadline, noting the short timeframe from the April 2nd vote.