Ohio voters launch proposed amendment to keep big data centers from plugging in

Ohio voters are advocating for a proposed amendment to the state constitution aimed at restricting the construction of new large-scale data centers. The amendment seeks to prohibit facilities that consume more than 25 megawatts of electricity per month, a move prompted by increasing concerns over energy usage and environmental impact. Attorney General Dave Yost has certified the petitioners to begin collecting signatures, a procedural step that allows them to gather over 400,000 signatures from at least half of the state's counties by July to qualify for the November ballot. Dublin resident Amy Swank, whose neighborhood has experienced data center development, is a prominent voice of opposition. She expressed worries about data centers becoming "brownfields" and believes their energy demands are contributing to rising electricity costs and an "energy crisis" in Ohio. Her sentiments highlight a broader community opposition that has seen central Ohio, including cities like New Albany, Dublin, and Hilliard, experience a data center boom, with Amazon being a significant investor. The proposed amendment has sparked debate regarding its potential economic repercussions. Christopher Magil of Vista Site Selections argued that data centers generate significant economic benefits, citing that each data center job in Franklin County supports 3.2 additional jobs. Conversely, Dan Diorio, Vice President of State Policy for the Data Center Coalition, issued a statement warning that a statewide ban would deter investment, undermine Ohio's economic growth, and deprive local communities of jobs and tax revenue, emphasizing the industry's $9.9 billion contribution to the state's GDP in 2023. Locally, Dublin city officials paused industrial rezoning plans in their West Innovation District last summer following resident concerns about a data center on Cosgray Road, and are now considering new plans that exclude data center construction.