Protest underway near Bowling Green data center project

The debate over data centers is a significant topic in Northwest Ohio, with the state ranking fifth nationally with over 200 facilities, predominantly in central Ohio. While supporters point to potential job creation and tax revenue, opponents voice concerns about health, environmental impacts, and resource strain. In Bowling Green, Wood County, members of Local 55 union are actively protesting near the Apollo Power Generation facility, which neighbors a Meta data center development. Local 55 President Charles Avalos stated their protest is for equal employment opportunities for their members, alleging the gas plant is outsourcing labor and not utilizing local workers. Residents have also expressed broader concerns regarding Meta's data center project, specifically its land and power consumption, overall size, impact on local farmland, and long-term employment prospects. In January, Wood County residents sought a one-year moratorium on data centers, but the county could not approve the request due to the classification of the land. A Meta representative addressed these concerns by highlighting the company's commitment to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge at the White House, ensuring Meta will cover its own energy and water costs to avoid burdening local residents, and promising to prioritize environmental respect.