ICAPP study: Ohioans strongly oppose data center expansion and tax breaks
A statewide ICAPP survey found that a clear majority of Ohio residents oppose additional data center construction and public tax subsidies for the industry. Respondents cited concerns about rising utility bills, environmental effects and quality of life.
A statewide survey by Ohio Northern University’s Institute for Civics and Public Policy, conducted with SurveyUSA, found broad opposition among Ohio adults to expanding data centers and providing them with public tax subsidies. The poll surveyed 1,650 residents between Oct. 8 and Oct. 14, 2026, with a reported margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.
ICAPP Director Keith F. Durkin said the findings reflect Ohio’s role in the AI and data center boom, while student fellow Evan Kimmel attributed opposition to concerns about utility costs, environmental impacts and quality of life. The survey also measured national pride and dissatisfaction with the country’s direction, making data center sentiment one part of a broader statewide public opinion study.