Grafton, Ohio enacts five-year moratorium on data center development
The Grafton Village Council in Ohio has enacted a five-year moratorium on data center development, citing community feedback to protect the town's identity. This local action comes amidst broader statewide discussions, including proposed legislation in the Ohio General Assembly regarding data center energy and water infrastructure costs, and a proposed constitutional amendment.
The Grafton Village Council in Ohio has enacted a five-year moratorium on data center development, a decision made on May 19 based on community polling and mayoral recommendation. The village aims to protect its small-town identity while managing growth responsibly.
This local action mirrors a broader statewide conversation in Ohio regarding data centers. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost approved a petition title and summary for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit data center construction. Additionally, the Ohio Joint Data Center Committee was created to study these facilities.
State lawmakers have introduced several bills, including HB 706, which imposes requirements on data center agreements with electric utility companies and is currently in the House Energy Committee. SB 378 seeks to hold data centers responsible for water and sewer infrastructure costs, referred to the Senate Public Utilities Committee. Another bill, HB 646, to establish a Data Center Study Commission, has passed the House and is in a Senate committee. Ohio Senate Democrats have also called for bipartisan legislation related to data centers.