Ohioans rally against U.S. Senator Jon Husted’s support of data centers
Residents in Ironton, Ohio, rallied against U.S. Senator Jon Husted's support for data centers, citing concerns about rising electricity bills and noise pollution. They criticized the "Ratepayer Protection Act" for not adequately addressing the impact of data centers on local residents and infrastructure.
Residents of Ironton, Ohio, gathered for a rally on Tuesday to protest U.S. Senator Jon Husted's support for data center development in the state, voicing concerns over rising electricity costs and environmental impacts. Anne Artis, a Lawrence County resident, highlighted that her electric bill has already increased due to energy demands from data centers, including one under construction in Franklin Furnace, Scioto County, and fears for her fixed income.
Critics at the rally, such as Ironton resident Bob McCollister, argued that Husted's proposed "Ratepayer Protection Act" is insufficient, merely offering "suggestions to Ohio regulators" instead of imposing concrete requirements on "big tech companies" to address electricity rates, water bills, and noise pollution. Jacob Hock from the Ironton City Council, who has campaigned against data centers in southeastern Ohio for over a year, stated that local residents feel exploited, perceiving the area as a dumping ground for unwanted projects.