A group is proposing a constitutional amendment to ban huge AI data centers in Ohio

A group of rural Ohioans, calling themselves "Adams County for Responsible Development," has initiated a statewide effort to ban large artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The group has submitted a petition to the Ohio Attorney General's office, proposing a constitutional amendment that would prohibit data centers from using more than 25 megawatts of power. Danielle Kinhalt, a member of the group, stated their primary goal is to prevent the proliferation of "mega AI data centers" across the state. Kinhalt explained that the group resorted to a state-level petition after local officials in Adams and nearby Brown Counties allegedly failed to address their concerns, citing non-disclosure agreements that prevented them from providing details on proposed projects. Residents are worried about significant land and water usage by these facilities, with Kinhalt specifically highlighting the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's consideration of a general permit that would allow a "lowering of water quality" to accommodate "important social and economic development." The proposed amendment is driven by fears over the environmental impact, particularly regarding water discharge regulations, and the vast tracts of land consumed by data centers. Critics, including the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, also argue that while the Ohio Chamber of Commerce reports substantial job creation, data centers actually offer few permanent jobs once operational, despite often receiving large tax breaks. Attorney General Dave Yost has until March 26 to assess the petition's accuracy. If approved by Yost and the Ohio Ballot Board, the group would then need to collect 413,446 valid signatures by July 1 to place the amendment on the ballot.