Ohio Ballot Board unanimously OKs petition drive for large data center ban amendment

The Ohio Ballot Board has unanimously approved a petition drive for a proposed state constitutional amendment aimed at banning new data centers that consume over 25 megawatts of electricity per month. This citizen-driven initiative is seen by its proponents as a critical way for Ohio residents to influence the future development of their state.

The push for this ban is motivated by a significant data center boom in Central Ohio, with major companies like Amazon investing billions and expanding in cities such as New Albany, Dublin, and Hilliard. Supporters of the amendment, including Austin Baurichter, an attorney and co-author of the petition, and committee member Andrew Gula, voice concerns about the environmental impact, particularly the massive energy and water demands of these facilities. They also highlight rising electric rates, the loss of farmland, and increased property taxes due to inflated property values. Emily Harper from a local community also expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of transparency from local politicians regarding these developments.

Opponents, however, argue that enacting such a ban could signal that Ohio is