Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Proposes Data Center Moratorium and Strict Development Requirements
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy proposed a data center policy requiring developers to build sufficient new generating capacity to provide free electricity to residents in host counties, lower property taxes, and maintain environmental standards. He also suggested an executive order for a statewide moratorium on new data center projects until these requirements are enacted. This policy aims to ensure local communities benefit from data center development and are protected from negative impacts on utility costs and natural resources.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for Ohio governor, unveiled a comprehensive public policy proposal aimed at regulating data center development across the state. During an exclusive interview with Marysville Matters at the Cook Farm north of Marysville, Ramaswamy outlined three key conditions for all future data center projects: providing free residential electricity to host county residents, contributing to lower local property taxes, and strictly adhering to existing air and water quality standards without exemptions.
Ramaswamy emphasized that any proposed data center failing to meet these stringent requirements would not be approved. He further stated his intention to enact a statewide moratorium on new data center projects via executive order on his first day in office, pending legislative consideration of his proposed law. This measure, he explained, would ensure Ohio maintains a strong negotiating position with developers and prevents potential strain on the power grid or increased electricity costs for residents.
The proposal suggests data center developers should be required to construct generating capacity exceeding their own consumption, with the surplus power offsetting residential electric bills in the host counties. While Ramaswamy did not detail the legal authority for such a moratorium or how private electricity generation would integrate with existing utility infrastructure, his plan also prioritizes brownfield sites over farmland for development and advocates for streamlined approvals for compliant projects. The article also briefly mentions an existing Amazon Web Services construction site in Marysville, which received a permit for a temporary lunch tent.