Ohio residents push back on data centers
Residents in the village of Manchester, Ohio, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed Amazon data center, citing concerns over potential water contamination. This local pushback occurs as a state bill to regulate data centers recently stalled in the Ohio Senate. Amazon plans an open house to address community concerns about the project.
Residents in the tiny village of Manchester, Ohio, are actively opposing a proposed Amazon data center, expressing significant concerns about potential contamination of their well water supply. Angela Shelton and Danielle Kinhalt, among other community members, are calling for a pause and a comprehensive study on the project's environmental impact on future generations.
Amazon is planning to host an open house to engage with the community, aiming to address their concerns and educate them on the proposed facility's economic benefits, local job creation, and beneficial programs. A company spokesperson emphasized their commitment to listening to residents and local leaders to understand community priorities.
This local opposition comes as a bill aimed at regulating data centers recently stalled in the Ohio Senate. Concurrently, the state's Select Committee on Data Centers held hearings, where experts, including Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, discussed the potential economic benefits of data centers, while also noting that each community must determine what is best for its future. The Adams County Board of Commissioners confirmed they are still awaiting a formal proposal from Amazon for the Manchester facility.