Ohio lawmakers continue work on data center legislation
Ohio lawmakers are actively working on state-level data center legislation, with testimony heard by the Joint Data Center Committee regarding the economic contributions of these facilities. There is a push to amend House Bill 646 to establish Ohio's data center policy, potentially passing it this week. Concerns are being raised about the rapid pace of the legislative process.
Ohio lawmakers are progressing with data center legislation, with the Joint Data Center Committee hearing testimony on the economic impact of these facilities. Matt Szollosi of Affiliated Construction Trades (ACT) Ohio testified that the data center boom has significantly benefited trade unions, leading to increased demand for workers, apprenticeship applications, and wages, also arguing against the perception of temporary jobs.
Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted), a member of the joint committee, acknowledged the stable construction jobs created by data centers. Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta), a co-chair of the joint committee, indicated that legislation could pass this week. The Senate Energy Committee is scheduled to hold hearings on House Bill 646, which previously established a data center study commission but is now expected to be amended to shape Ohio's data center policy.
While Chavez did not provide specific details on the amendments, he stressed the need for thoughtful development, acknowledging it as a first step toward future legislation. Glassburn, however, expressed concerns about the swiftness of the process, stating that such policy impacting millions of ratepayers and billions in economic development requires more time than the proposed 36-hour turnaround.