Ohio EPA still reviewing proposed permitting process for data centers

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing more than 7,000 public comments concerning a proposed new permitting process that would allow data centers to discharge water into Ohio's surface waterways. This review comes eight months after the initial proposal was made. Advocates have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of these discharges on aquatic life, recreation, and human health in rivers, streams, and lakes across the state.

The issue has attracted attention from political figures. On social media, Republican US Senator Bernie Moreno and Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton both separately expressed their opposition to the proposed water discharge permits for data centers.

In response to the public and political feedback, the Ohio EPA issued a statement asserting that it does not permit discharges that would harm aquatic life, recreation, or human health. The agency emphasized that every permit it issues includes strict limits and monitoring requirements to ensure compliance with both state and federal water quality standards. An EPA spokesman confirmed that there is currently no set timeline for a final decision on the permitting process.