Lawmakers hear data center opposition
Ohio state lawmakers held a hearing where over 100 residents voiced strong opposition to data center expansion, citing concerns about environmental impact, tax breaks, and lack of transparency. Many citizens advocated for a statewide data center moratorium and are working on a constitutional amendment to restrict their development. Specific issues raised included water contamination from unregulated chemicals, high water consumption, and significant air emissions from backup generators.
The Select Committee on Data Centers in Columbus, Ohio, convened a public hearing where over 100 Ohioans voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of data centers across the state. Speakers detailed various concerns, including the environmental impacts, the financial burden of tax breaks, and the lack of transparency due to developers' use of nondisclosure agreements. Citizens, including Stephanie Stock from Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, urged lawmakers to implement a statewide data center moratorium and are actively gathering signatures for a constitutional amendment to ban data centers consuming over 25 megawatts per month.
Many attendees from Appalachian Ohio’s Adams County described a pattern of industries extracting resources with little local benefit. Emily Young and Jessica Baker, the latter presenting 16 NDAs from a nearby data center project, criticized the industry's demands for extensive land, water, and energy, alongside its reliance on secrecy. Carl Setzer, an industry veteran, warned of a speculative bubble, suggesting investors aim to cash out before the public recognizes the lack of long-term value.
Environmental experts like research scientist Stephen Petty raised concerns about unregulated chemicals, such as PFAS, in data center water discharge, which could lead to significant cleanup costs for local governments. Nikki Gerber from Adams County highlighted the slow recharge rates of local aquifers, fearing private wells could run dry. Additionally, Cathy Cowan Becker of Save Ohio Parks cited a Hilliard data center’s fuel cell system, projecting high carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to thousands of cars. Lawmakers, including state Rep. Adam Holmes and state Sen. Brian Chavez, acknowledged the overwhelming opposition and the committee's intent to identify specific areas needing state-level oversight.