Proposed amendment to ban large data centers to go before Ohio Ballot Board

Ohio Residents for Responsible Development, a grassroots organization, is advocating for a constitutional amendment to prohibit large data centers in Ohio, defined as those consuming over 25 megawatts of power monthly. The group, led by attorney Austin Baurichter, asserts that these facilities pose significant environmental risks, primarily concerning energy and water consumption. On Thursday, the proposed amendment is slated for review by the Ohio Ballot Board to ascertain if it constitutes a single ballot issue. Should it receive approval, the organization will need to gather 413,487 valid voter signatures from 44 of Ohio's 88 counties by July 1 to secure a spot on the November ballot. Conversely, the Data Center Coalition, represented by Vice President of State Policy Dan Diorio, vehemently opposes the amendment. The coalition highlights the substantial economic contributions of data centers to Ohio, reporting nearly $9.9 billion to the state's GDP and over $931 million in state and local taxes since 2023, while supporting more than 84,000 jobs. Diorio warns that a statewide moratorium would deter future investment and damage Ohio's economic standing. Baurichter remains confident in the group's ability to collect the necessary signatures if the Ballot Board grants approval, despite acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of Thursday's meeting at the Ohio Statehouse.