Ramaswamy outlines data center priorities during Allen County Fair visit
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy visited the Allen County Fair to discuss his proposed approach to future data center development in Ohio. He outlined legislation focused on lowering electricity prices for local communities, ensuring clean water discharge, promoting transparency, and building data centers on abandoned industrial sites. Ramaswamy also emphasized the need for Ohio to increase its power grid capacity.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy visited the Allen County Fair in Lima, Ohio, where he discussed his proposed policies for data center development in the state. Speaking at the Allen County Republican Building, Ramaswamy highlighted his plan to introduce "common-sense legislation" if elected, aiming to regulate the increasing number of data centers, which currently exceed 200 with more under construction.
Ramaswamy's proposals include mandates for data centers to provide lower or free electricity prices for their host communities and ensure water is returned to the environment as clean as it was initially. He also advocated for greater transparency in the development process by eliminating non-disclosure agreements and prioritizing the construction of data centers on abandoned industrial sites instead of fertile farmland.
Addressing energy concerns, Ramaswamy emphasized the need for Ohio to expand its electric grid capacity to meet growing demand, suggesting the use of natural gas and next-generation nuclear energy. He asserted that data centers must contribute to lower electric bills for residents; otherwise, projects would not proceed. Ramaswamy is set to compete against Democrat Amy Acton and Libertarian Don Kissick in the November 3 general election.