Acton suggesting data center halt along with gas tax holiday, but Republicans dismiss that
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is proposing a conditional moratorium on data center development in Ohio, citing concerns about rising costs and her opponent's investments. Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley, dismissed her proposal as political electioneering. Governor Mike DeWine had previously indicated his own moratorium on data center announcements through the end of the year.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has called for the Ohio Statehouse to enact a conditional moratorium on data center development when lawmakers return to session. Acton argued that unchecked data center expansion is driving up community costs and criticized her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, for his personal investments in the industry. She urged bipartisan cooperation to address the issue, asserting her commitment to prioritizing working families over corporations.
Republicans quickly dismissed Acton's proposal, characterizing it as political rhetoric and electioneering. Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman stated that if the proposal were serious, Acton would be available to answer questions from the press. Senate President Rob McColley, Ramaswamy's running mate, echoed this sentiment, adding that Governor Mike DeWine had already signaled a moratorium on data center announcements until the end of the year, rendering Acton's suggestion redundant. Ramaswamy himself unveiled his own moratorium plan in July, which he pledges to sign if elected governor.