Ohio Farm Earthwork Protests Data Centers in Warren County
An 80-year-old farmer in Clearcreek Township, Ohio, has created a large earthwork opposing the conversion of farmland into data centers. The protest comes as Ohio communities consider data center restrictions, including a one-year moratorium adopted by Clearcreek Township and a Dayton zoning change barring the facilities.
Farmer Leslie Nogle and earthwork artist Stan Herd created a one-acre installation near Bunnell Hill Road in Clearcreek Township, Warren County, depicting Ohio, a farmer, a cow and an anti-data-center message. The work was unveiled at a No Data Centers/Save Our Land rally ahead of an unusually active election season focused on data center development and farmland preservation.
Voters in multiple Ohio municipalities and townships are weighing restrictions or rezoning decisions tied to proposed data centers. Clearcreek Township adopted a one-year moratorium on data-center permits in July, while Dayton approved a zoning change barring the facilities. Supporters cite tax revenue and construction jobs, while opponents raise concerns about farmland, environmental impacts and local control.