Ohio Supreme Court blocks citizen-led Wilmington data center referendum from appearing on ballot
The Ohio Supreme Court blocked a citizen-led referendum in Wilmington that aimed to create new zoning rules for data centers and allow residents to sue for violations. The County Board of Elections had rejected the measure due to the clause allowing lawsuits, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court. Consequently, the proposed ordinance will not appear on the November ballot.
The Ohio Supreme Court has upheld a decision to block a citizen-led referendum on data center regulations from appearing on the November ballot in Wilmington. The proposed ordinance aimed to establish new zoning rules for data centers within city limits.
The Clinton County Board of Elections initially rejected the measure, citing a specific clause within the proposed ordinance that would have allowed residents to sue data centers for violating the new regulations. The Supreme Court's ruling affirmed the Board of Elections' authority to reject the referendum based on this provision.
As a result of this ruling, the citizen-led initiative, which sought to impose stricter controls and potential legal recourse against data centers, will not proceed to a public vote this fall.