Rural Ohioans push for data center constitutional amendment

Name: Rural Ohioans push for data center constitutional amendment
Uploaded: 2026-03-19T04:02:59.000Z
Duration: 3 min 14 s
Description: Rural Ohioans are initiating a movement to amend the state's constitution to block data center construction larger than 25 megawatts. Supporters cite environmental concerns and rising utility costs, while industry leaders warn of negative economic impacts. The group is currently gathering signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.

News Clip3:14NBC4 Columbus·OH·3/19/2026

Rural Ohioans are initiating a movement to amend the state's constitution to block data center construction larger than 25 megawatts. Supporters cite environmental concerns and rising utility costs, while industry leaders warn of negative economic impacts. The group is currently gathering signatures to place the measure on the November ballot.

oppositiongovernmentenvironmentalelectricitywater

Gov: Ohio Attorney General's office, Ohio Ballot Board, local officials, local governments

Rural Ohioans are actively campaigning for a constitutional amendment to prevent the construction of data centers exceeding 25 megawatts across the state. Organizers, who have already collected approximately 1,800 signatures, reported strong early momentum.

The group submitted petitions to the Ohio Attorney General's office, and if the proposal's summary is deemed accurate, it will move to the Ohio Ballot Board. Supporters face a July deadline to gather roughly 413,000 valid signatures to get the amendment on the ballot for the upcoming November election.

Proponents of the amendment argue that rural communities have been excluded from decisions regarding large-scale data center developments and express concerns about potential environmental impacts and significant water and electricity consumption, which they believe could lead to higher utility bills for residents. Conversely, business leaders and some local officials contend that a ban on large data centers could harm Ohio's economy, emphasizing that these facilities attract major private investment, create jobs, and increase tax revenue for local governments and schools.

Ohio has emerged as a growing hub for data centers due to its central location, existing infrastructure, and available land. Organizers of the proposed amendment are currently awaiting the determination from the Attorney General's office.