Data centers to be a big-ticket item in November elections
Data centers are a key issue in Ohio's upcoming November elections, with polls showing significant voter support for a temporary construction ban due to concerns about energy costs, water use, and environmental impact. The debate is particularly relevant in Wood County, where an $800 million data center is planned, raising questions about local control and school funding.
A recent poll of 1,000 registered Ohio voters, conducted by Bowling Green State University's Democracy and Public Policy Network, revealed that 71% favor a temporary ban on data center construction. This sentiment highlights growing concerns among Ohioans regarding data centers' impact on home energy costs and the environment, with 60% of those polled believing the facilities are detrimental in these areas. This widespread skepticism is influencing politicians, who are increasingly hesitant to take firm stances on the issue as the November elections approach.
Dr. Robert Alexander, founding director of BGSU's Democracy and Public Policy Network, noted that data centers are not dividing voters along traditional political lines, with both Democrats and Republicans merging their feelings on concerns such as water usage and aesthetic views. Vice President JD Vance also touched on voter concerns about data centers during a recent event near Detroit, emphasizing the need for these facilities to contribute power to the grid rather than solely consume it.
The debate is particularly acute in Wood County, Ohio, home to a planned $800 million data center in Middleton Township. Local school districts, including Eastwood, Otsego, and Penta, anticipate significant financial gains, with Eastwood expected to receive around $1.4 million annually starting in 2029. Otsego Superintendent Kevin O'Shea expressed cautious optimism, awaiting concrete numbers. Dr. Alexander suggested this uncertainty contributes to the "get out of my backyard" populist framework surrounding data center development. His network plans further surveys in the coming months to track shifts in public attitude as the election draws closer.