Proposed Ohio Constitution amendment would ban large data centers

The Ohio Ballot Board has unanimously approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that seeks to ban large-scale data centers consuming over 24 megawatts monthly. This initiative is largely spearheaded by residents from Appalachian Ohio, including attorney Austin Baurichter from Brown County, who testified before the Board, citing decades of regional exploitation by corporate interests like coal mines, which left residents with "empty promises." The Ballot Board, comprising five members including Sens. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and Bill DeMora (D-Columbus), and Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland), is tasked solely with verifying that proposed amendments pertain to a single subject. Despite this, some lawmakers expressed reservations about the wisdom of such a broad ban. Rep. Upchurch stated his intent to further investigate the petitioners' concerns and determine what is best for Ohio, while Sen. DeMora suggested the movement stems from legislative inaction, arguing that a ban would lead to job losses and a decline in technological competitiveness. Sen. Gavarone also raised concerns that the amendment could strip local governments of their decision-making power regarding economic development opportunities that data centers might bring. Karley Baurichter, Austin's wife and a proponent of the amendment, echoed the sentiment of past disillusionment in Southern and Appalachian Ohio, recalling similar unfulfilled promises from the coal mining industry. With the Ballot Board's approval, organizers now face the challenge of collecting more than 400,000 signatures before a July 1 deadline to secure a spot for the amendment on the November ballot.