Does Data Center construction need to slow down?

An amendment seeking to ban new data centers in Ohio that consume over 25 megawatts of electricity has advanced, with Attorney General Dave Yost authorizing petitioners to begin collecting signatures. This proposed constitutional amendment aims to address concerns over the rapid growth of the data center industry and its impact on the state's energy resources and costs. Amy Swank, a Dublin resident, has been a prominent advocate against data center construction, citing environmental concerns and the substantial electricity usage of these facilities, which can rival that of tens of thousands of homes. Residents in Dublin have also noted an increase in their energy costs, which they attribute to data center demand. Supporters of the ban must collect over 400,000 signatures from at least half of Ohio's counties by July to place the issue on the November ballot. Opponents of the amendment argue that such a ban could deter economic development, as data center jobs are seen to generate additional employment in the region.