Piqua residents rally against approved data center project
Community members in Piqua, Ohio, held a "Stand With Piqua – No Data Center" rally to protest an approved data center project. They raised concerns about water usage, environmental impact, energy demand, and a lack of transparency. Organizers called for a moratorium and an independent review of the project's impacts.
The "Stand With Piqua – No Data Center" rally took place in Piqua, Ohio, outside the city and utility offices on June 2, to protest an already approved data center project. Community members from Piqua and surrounding areas expressed growing concerns regarding the data center's potential impacts on local resources, the environment, utility rates, agriculture, and overall quality of life.
Residents highlighted significant worries about the project's projected water usage and the potential strain on local and regional water supplies. They also criticized the perceived secrecy surrounding the development, including the use of non-disclosure agreements, which they believe undermines public trust and meaningful community input.
Further concerns raised by rally participants included noise pollution, increased energy demand, and the industrialization of areas close to residential zones, schools, and farms. Organizers demanded full transparency, the release of public records, and an independent review of environmental and water impacts.
The "Stand With Piqua" group urged Piqua city officials to prioritize residents' interests and called for the city commission and utility board to adopt a formal moratorium resolution. This resolution would prevent long-term water and power commitments until voters and ratepayers are fully informed and have provided meaningful input on the industrial-scale data center.