Ohio lawmakers say compromise possible in data center regulations
Ohio lawmakers are discussing possible compromises on data center regulations after voters approved 21 Ohio ballot measures restricting data center development. Lawmakers warned that failure to act could lead to a statewide ban, while Governor-elect Amy Acton has pledged a conditional moratorium on new data centers.
Ohio voters approved 21 local ballot measures targeting data center development, contributing to a broader national backlash against the industry. State Sen. Bill Reineke said he could not guarantee that lawmakers would pass regulations during the upcoming lame-duck session and warned that voters could approve a statewide ban if the Legislature fails to act.
Sen. Bill DeMora called for an end to long-term data center tax breaks, while acknowledging that communities that want the facilities should be able to build them. House Minority Leader Dani Isaacson said Democrats and Republicans may find common ground on data center policy, including requiring technology companies to offset farmland use and fund the eventual decommissioning of abandoned facilities. Governor-elect Amy Acton has also pledged a conditional moratorium on new data centers.