Ohio governor wants local governments to be aggressive in data center negotiations
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine encourages local governments to negotiate aggressively with data center developers to meet community standards, while acknowledging their economic benefits. This advice comes amidst significant local opposition, exemplified by a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling. The court ordered Ashville to submit a referendum petition to the ballot, challenging an emergency approval for an EdgeConneX hyperscale data center.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has stated that data centers are a top concern among fairgoers, urging local governments to be more aggressive in their negotiations with data center developers. DeWine emphasizes that while data centers are economically beneficial and essential, local officials should demand compliance with health and environmental standards and secure favorable terms for residents.
However, Brown County attorney Austin Baurichter expressed frustration, arguing that many residents simply oppose data centers outright and feel excluded from the democratic process when local governments rapidly approve projects. Baurichter has represented opponents, including those in Ashville, Ohio, who sought a referendum to block an EdgeConneX hyperscale data center in Pickaway County.
Ashville's fiscal officer initially blocked the referendum petition, claiming the development resolution was adopted as an emergency measure, making it immune to repeal. On Friday, the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled against Ashville, stating the city failed to justify the emergency declaration and ordered the petition to be submitted to the board of elections. This decision highlights the growing public mistrust in local government actions regarding data center development, with recent polls indicating significant public opposition to data center construction.