Ohio GOP Sen. Jon Husted says data center construction "should be a local decision"

Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted, during an interview on "The Takeout" at the GOP's midterm convention in Dallas, articulated his stance on data center development, asserting that decisions regarding their construction "should be a local decision." Husted emphasized that neither Washington nor any federal entity should dictate whether a community must host a data center.

He further elaborated on his position, stating that he wants to ensure no costs are passed onto citizens. Husted believes data center companies should be responsible for building their own power and infrastructure. He also advocates for benefits to accrue directly to local populations, such as reduced property taxes, increased funding for schools, and direct checks to residents to offset energy prices. He stressed that companies have a responsibility to act in the best interest of local people, or local communities should have the right to decline their presence.

Contrasting his view with President Biden's apparent "all-in" approach to data centers, Husted disagreed with the notion that questioning data centers would impoverish communities. He maintained that some communities welcome data centers for the jobs, revenue for schools, and new infrastructure they bring, while others may not want them to impact their quality of life or agricultural land. Ultimately, he believes this choice rests with local Ohioans.