Ohio Ballot Board unanimously OKs petition drive for data center ban amendment

The Ohio Ballot Board has unanimously approved a petition drive for a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban the construction of new data centers utilizing more than 25 megawatts of electricity per month. This citizen-led initiative, if successful, would place the measure on the November ballot. Proponents of the ban, including attorney Austin Baurichter and committee member Andrew Gula, argue that it provides a direct channel for Ohioans to address issues like rising electric rates, the conversion of farmland, and increased property taxes due to data center expansion, citing examples in Central Ohio cities like New Albany, Dublin, and Hilliard where Amazon has heavily invested. Emily Harper, another advocate, expressed frustration over local politicians' perceived secrecy regarding these developments. Conversely, opponents, led by Steve Stivers, President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, contend that the amendment would signal Ohio is