Ramaswamy discusses data centers, property taxes in Marietta -
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy outlined proposals concerning data centers during a campaign stop in Marietta, Ohio. He proposed an executive order to halt new data center project announcements until comprehensive state legislation is passed. This legislation would focus on ensuring tangible community benefits, prioritizing specific sites, and establishing water quality and landscaping requirements.
During a campaign visit to Marietta, Ohio, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy discussed his policy proposals, including a plan to address data center development in the state. Ramaswamy announced that if elected, he would issue an executive order on his first day in office to halt all new data center construction announcements until comprehensive legislation is enacted.
The proposed legislation would mandate that data center projects provide tangible benefits to local communities, such as lower electric bills and property tax relief. It would also prioritize developing abandoned industrial sites over farmland, establish stringent water-quality requirements, and require landscaping to mitigate noise and visual impacts. Ramaswamy emphasized the need for greater transparency in project negotiations, including limits on nondisclosure agreements, to ensure economic development benefits all Ohioans while protecting natural resources.
The candidate's remarks came during a town hall meeting where Washington County resident George Banzinger raised concerns about data centers providing only temporary construction jobs rather than lasting community benefits. Ramaswamy reiterated his commitment to fighting for Ohioans' quality of life and ensuring that any economic development serves the state's 12 million residents. He also outlined other policy priorities, including a veterans-first plan and a proposal to roll back and cap property taxes.