Amy Acton proposes restrictions on Ohio data centers. What are they?
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has proposed a "conditional moratorium" on new data centers that do not meet specific criteria, including covering their own utility costs, using union labor, and building on brownfields. This proposal addresses growing frustration among Ohioans about data centers' impact on costs and the environment. Other political figures, including Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, have also called for data centers to pay their own utility costs.
Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has put forward a proposal for a "conditional moratorium" on new data centers within the state. Her plan stipulates that data centers must meet certain requirements to operate, such as fully covering their gas, water, and electricity expenses, exclusively utilizing union labor for construction and maintenance, and developing on former industrial brownfield sites rather than agricultural land or residential areas. Acton stated that Ohio is "not up for sale" and that such conditions are necessary to protect Ohio families and businesses from rising costs.
This proposal is a response to increasing public discontent in Ohio regarding data centers, with a Bowling Green University poll indicating that most Ohioans favor a ban on these facilities due to environmental, energy cost, and quality of life concerns. While Acton's conditions do not directly address tax breaks, she has previously advocated for reining in "out-of-control long-term tax incentives." Other political figures, including Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and President Donald Trump, have also expressed support for data centers paying their own utility costs.
Ramaswamy, however, has dismissed the idea of a complete ban on data centers, emphasizing economic development that brings high-paying jobs while adhering to local community terms. The debate over data center regulations and their economic impact is intensifying in Ohio, particularly as the gubernatorial election approaches. The discussions also involve other candidates like Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, who has highlighted the issue in his campaign.