Why a petition has been launched to ban data centers in Springfield
Local advocates in Springfield, Ohio, have launched a petition to amend the city's charter to ban large data centers, citing concerns about rising electricity costs and environmental impacts. This effort coincides with the Springfield City Commission's expected approval of a six-month moratorium on data center development. The proposed ban targets facilities beyond those supporting a single organization's internal computing needs.
Local advocates Melissa Rexroth and Nicole Bethel are pushing for a charter amendment in Springfield, Ohio, that would ban the construction of new large data centers. Their initiative comes amidst growing concerns over potential increases in electricity costs and environmental impacts associated with these facilities. The proposed amendment would allow only small data centers supporting a single organization's computing needs, with an aggregate monthly load of less than 7.5 megawatts.
This local petition drive runs parallel to a broader, but currently stalled, statewide effort by Conserve Ohio to ban mega data centers. Rexroth, although a Clark County resident and not a Springfield city resident, emphasizes the impact on her community. The Springfield City Commission is anticipated to approve a six-month moratorium on data center development, which Commissioner Larry Ricketts suggests could be renewed and provides time for state-level actions.
The article also highlights existing data center activity, noting that while no entirely new facilities are planned, the former LexisNexis data center, now owned by 5C Group, is transitioning into a commercial-scale facility. This project, which will host tenants like The Constant Company LLC (Vultr) and Crusoe Energy Systems, previously received a 15-year 100% Enterprise Zone property tax abatement from the city. Residents like Jennifer Warren and Brytanny Simonton express concerns about already high electric bills and the perceived negative community impact of data centers.