Plain City poised to enact data center moratorium; Ohio AG candidate discusses policy
Plain City, Ohio, is poised to consider a one-year moratorium on new data center applications due to concerns about noise, vibrations, and consumption of electricity and water. Additionally, Ohio Attorney General candidate Keith Faber has expressed that tech companies, not residents, should bear the infrastructure costs associated with data center development. He advocates for transparency and protecting Ohioans from increased utility rates.
Plain City, Ohio, is scheduled to hold a special council meeting to vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center applications. Village officials are seeking this pause to research and establish clear regulations for these large facilities, citing concerns over potential issues such as noise, constant vibrations, heavy electricity and water usage, and environmental impacts, particularly on the Big Darby Creek. If approved as an emergency measure, the moratorium would take effect immediately.
Separately, Keith Faber, the Republican candidate for Ohio Attorney General, outlined his position on data center development within the state. While acknowledging their importance for national security, Faber argued that these tech hubs should not be built at the expense of Ohio families. He promised to leverage the Attorney General's office to ensure tech companies are held accountable for their commitments, specifically enforcing agreements that prevent increases in Ohio's electricity rates. Faber emphasized that companies building data centers should be responsible for covering the expensive infrastructure costs, such as power grid and utility line upgrades, rather than local taxpayers or utility customers, framing his stance as a priority for affordability.