Regional business and labor leaders discuss responsible data center development in Howland
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber President and CEO Guy Coviello told the Trumbull County Council of Governments that data centers could attract technology jobs and help strengthen the Mahoning Valley economy. He and Western Reserve Building Trades President Marty Loney also said development must address water use, electricity costs, grid capacity and community concerns.
Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, discussed data center development with the Trumbull County Council of Governments in Howland. He said the Mahoning Valley could use data centers to attract technology jobs and reduce the loss of skilled workers, while acknowledging that communities must distinguish responsible projects from developments that strain local utilities.
Coviello said the chamber’s research found that water and electricity impacts can be managed through newer technologies and Ohio policies requiring data centers to absorb costs associated with added generation and delivery capacity. He also argued that the region has substantial water capacity and could benefit from additional industrial users, provided they pay any costs they create.
Marty Loney, president of the Western Reserve Building Trades, said data centers could generate significant construction employment and urged officials to negotiate community benefit agreements rather than impose blanket bans or moratoriums. Both speakers said residents, businesses, labor organizations and developers should discuss water, grid upgrades and community protections before projects are approved.