After backlash, Ohio EPA drops its blanket wastewater permit for data centers

News ClipCleveland.com·OH·7/21/2026

The Ohio EPA has decided to withdraw its blanket wastewater permit for data centers following significant public backlash. This decision means that each data center will now be required to obtain individual wastewater permits, likely leading to more stringent environmental scrutiny for new developments in the state. This represents a shift in regulatory approach towards data center water usage.

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Gov: Ohio EPA
After backlash, Ohio EPA drops its blanket wastewater permit for data centers  Cleveland.com