Data centers remain hot topic ahead of midterms with Ohio playing key role
Data center development has become a major issue in Ohio’s midterm elections, with 21 ballot measures across 18 communities addressing rezoning, regulation or potential bans. In Trenton, activists are opposing a second data center after one was approved, while Amazon is promoting jobs and economic growth and defending its projects’ effects on noise, water and energy use.
Ohio voters will consider 21 data center-related ballot measures across 18 communities, according to Ballotpedia. The measures were pushed by local activists and address rezoning, amendments to local rules and potential bans. Trenton residents are seeking to block another data center after one project was approved, while activists including Jessica Baker of Conserve Ohio oppose further development.
Amazon is seeking support for its projects by emphasizing jobs and economic growth. Amazon Web Services energy and water director Brandon Oyer said data centers support everyday internet services and recently participated in an open house addressing concerns about noise, water and energy use. Additional ballot questions concern Spriggs and Monroe townships in Adams County and a proposed $4 billion Amazon hyperscale campus in Wilmington. A U.S. Department of Energy report cited in the article says data centers used just over 4% of U.S. electricity in 2023, with consumption expected to nearly triple by 2028.