Ohio Governor Candidates All Back Data Center Restrictions
Ohio's gubernatorial candidates are proposing restrictions and conditional moratoriums on new data centers due to community concerns over energy, water, and transparency. This initiative follows a State Supreme Court ruling that moves a Central Ohio city's anti-data center petition closer to the ballot, challenging a local council's use of an emergency clause to approve a project. State lawmakers have previously failed to agree on comprehensive data center regulations.
Ohio gubernatorial candidates are increasingly focusing on the regulation of data centers, responding to growing community concerns and citizen-led efforts across the state. The discussion comes as the Ohio State Supreme Court recently sided with community activists from a Central Ohio city, moving their anti-data center petition closer to being placed on the November ballot. This ruling challenges the Asheville Village Council's use of an emergency clause to accept a new data center, a move that bypasses traditional referendum processes.
Republican candidate for governor, Vivek Ramaswamy, previously opposed a total ban but has now outlined an extensive plan for regulation. His proposals include requiring data centers to pay for free electricity for local communities and full property taxes, providing relief for homeowners. He also insists on strict environmental standards, prioritizing brownfield sites over fertile farmland due to concerns over energy and water usage. Ramaswamy states no new data centers should be approved until these conditions are met.
Democrat Dr. Amy Acton announced her support for a conditional moratorium on data centers. She emphasizes that companies must be liable for all costs, protect the environment, and be transparent about their building plans, giving communities a significant say in development. Acton also seeks assurances that construction jobs will go to union workers, though she expresses skepticism about the logistical feasibility of "free electricity" for everyone.
Governor Mike DeWine acknowledges the importance of the issue for candidates, expressing interest in Ramaswamy's free electricity proposal. Previous legislative efforts to regulate data centers stalled in the Ohio House and Senate, primarily due to disagreements over sales tax breaks for developers. Lawmakers failed to agree on whether to maintain, eliminate, or reduce the 100% sales tax break for data center developers.