US voters to decide on fate of data centers as AI boom sparks backlash
Voters in Ohio and other states are considering ballot measures that would delay, prohibit or restrict data center development because of concerns about electricity consumption, water use and possible health impacts. In Sunbury, Ohio, a proposal targeting facilities using more than 25 megawatts could derail Amazon's planned $2 billion data center development.
Voters in 10 states are set to consider at least 41 local measures aimed at delaying, prohibiting or restricting data center construction. Opposition has been particularly strong in Ohio, where residents in more than a dozen jurisdictions are weighing 21 proposals amid concerns over data centers' electricity and water demands and potential health effects.
In Sunbury near Columbus, a proposal to ban data centers using more than 25 megawatts could threaten Amazon's planned $2 billion project. Amazon public policy lead Shannon Kellogg addressed residents before the vote, while the company said it remains committed to working with local communities and officials. Industry analysts said restrictions could redirect development to other locations rather than halt the broader expansion of data center capacity.