Local residents back statewide data center ban proposal

Adams County residents, notably Nichole Gerber of Manchester, Emily Harper, Angel Shelton, and Danielle Nicole Kinhalt, are actively involved in a statewide campaign in Ohio to prohibit the construction of large-scale data centers. The initiative, spearheaded by the grassroots organization Conserve Ohio, aims to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would ban data centers with a peak load exceeding 25 megawatts. Proponents cite concerns regarding the environmental and infrastructural impact of hyperscale data centers on rural communities and natural resources. A significant step was achieved on Thursday, April 2, when the Ohio Ballot Board unanimously certified the proposed amendment. This certification allows the petitioners to commence collecting signatures across the state, a process already underway in 73 of Ohio's 88 counties. The article emphasizes the local engagement, highlighting residents' efforts in organizing events, gathering signatures, and participating in meetings to advance the proposal.