Data center ban proposal closer to reaching November election

The Center Square reports that a grassroots movement in Ohio is actively pursuing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the construction of large data centers, defined as those 25 megawatts or larger, across the state. Austin Baurichter, a lawyer from Brown County and a key organizer, expressed confidence that the proposal will reach voters in November. The next critical step involves collecting signatures from registered voters equivalent to 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, with signatures required from at least half of Ohio's 88 counties. Baurichter, who moved to rural Brown County from Cincinnati suburbs, initiated his involvement after attending a Village of Mount Orab council meeting where a local moratorium was enacted. He believes data centers pose significant environmental and economic risks, including excessive demands on the state's electricity and water resources, and potential destruction of natural ecosystems. However, the proposal faces differing viewpoints. The Ohio Manufacturer’s Association disputes the claim that data centers are escalating energy costs, instead attributing price hikes to utility companies like AEP. Meanwhile, the Clinton County Port Authority has addressed concerns regarding water usage for a planned Amazon data center in the county, stating that Ohio's climate allows for minimal water-based cooling for much of the year. The authority also highlights the economic benefits, projecting over $1 million in annual tax revenues and necessary infrastructure improvements for the City of Wilmington, which is facing a projected population decline.