Ramaswamy says new Ohio data centers should pay residents’ electric bills
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for governor, proposes new statewide rules for Ohio data centers. He suggests requiring them to cover nearby residents' electric bills, banning their property tax breaks, and mandating water conservation and brownfield site usage. Ramaswamy stated he would halt new data center projects unless these rules are enacted by lawmakers.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for governor, has outlined a series of proposed restrictions aimed at new data center developments in Ohio. He stated his intention to halt new data center projects unless state lawmakers agree to implement these new regulations.
The core of Ramaswamy's proposal includes a requirement for new data centers to cover the electricity bills of nearby residents. Additionally, he advocates for an end to future property tax breaks for such projects, with the savings redirected towards homeowner tax relief initiatives.
Further environmental and land-use stipulations are also part of his plan. Ramaswamy insists that new data centers should be required to conserve water, adhere strictly to existing air and water quality rules, and prioritize the development of brownfield sites over agricultural land.