Ohio TV Ads Push Data Centers Amid Local Moratorium Wave
A pro-AI group has spent more than $2.5 million on Ohio television ads promoting the economic benefits of data centers as communities across the state adopt or consider moratoriums. The campaign comes amid opposition to major projects involving OpenAI, SoftBank, Nvidia and Meta, as residents and lawmakers debate electricity demand, emissions, tax incentives and ratepayer costs.
Build American AI has purchased at least $2.54 million in Ohio television advertising promoting data-center investment and jobs, according to an analysis by DeSmog. The non-candidate ads aired across at least 16 stations while dozens of Ohio municipalities and townships imposed or considered restrictions on new facilities. The group also spent millions in Wisconsin and Kansas and is linked to the AI-industry super PAC Leading the Future.
Ohio is simultaneously seeing major data-center proposals and growing public resistance. OpenAI is involved in a proposed Pike County computing complex with SoftBank, Nvidia and the U.S. Department of Energy that could require 8 to 10 gigawatts of power, while Meta is building a natural-gas-powered facility in New Albany. Polling found strong support for temporary bans and opposition to local data-center construction, while state and local officials continue debating electricity infrastructure, emissions, tax incentives and whether large users should pay the costs of serving their demand.