Ohio Farm Bureau says current data center permitting process protects state's water resources
The Ohio Farm Bureau emphasizes the importance of protecting water quality amidst data center development across Ohio. The organization supports maintaining the current water permitting process after the Ohio EPA decided against streamlining requirements for large data centers. This decision helps preserve local community oversight and site-by-site discharge reviews.
Evan Callicoat, director of state policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau, highlighted that protecting water quality is a primary concern as data center development expands throughout Ohio. Callicoat noted that the Farm Bureau's members are actively questioning the daily water consumption of data centers and whether they utilize municipal water systems, indicating ongoing concerns.
The Ohio EPA recently opted not to pursue a legislative proposal that would have simplified water permitting requirements for large data centers. Callicoat stated that retaining the existing permitting process is beneficial, as it ensures local community oversight and protects water quality. He stressed the importance of these centers having discharge permits that are reviewed on a site-by-site basis.
The Farm Bureau's stance is that current regulations are effectively safeguarding water quality, aligning with efforts through the H2Ohio initiative. Callicoat underscored that preserving rural agricultural interests will be crucial as more data center projects become operational across the state.