Statewide initiative against mega data center construction in Ohio
Conserve Ohio, a statewide initiative, is seeking to ban mega data centers in Ohio that consume over 25 megawatts of energy, citing environmental and energy concerns. Local advocates are gathering petition signatures to get the issue on the November ballot. Concurrently, Governor DeWine announced a pause on data center tax exemption requests to study the industry's growth.
Conserve Ohio is a volunteer-led statewide initiative working to ban mega data centers in Ohio that consume over 25 megawatts of energy monthly. The group cites concerns about high energy use, potential health complications from air pollutants, and broader environmental and economic impacts.
Local advocates Melissa Rexworth and Nicole Bethel in Clark County are spearheading the effort to collect 413,000 petition signatures to place the proposed ban on the November ballot. Bethel highlighted that a new data center under construction in Springfield is projected to use up to 75 to 150 megawatts, significantly exceeding their proposed energy threshold.
While data center proponents emphasize job creation and economic benefits, Governor DeWine has recently announced a pause on data center tax exemption requests. This pause is intended to allow a committee to study the industry's growth within the state. Conserve Ohio currently has approximately 30,000 signatures and needs nearly 400,000 more by a July deadline to qualify for the ballot.