Statewide Petition to Limit Data Center Size Now Aiming for Next Year
A statewide petition effort in Ohio to amend the state constitution to limit the size of new data centers is continuing, though the ballot initiative has been delayed until 2027. Grassroots group "Conserve Ohio" is collecting signatures, citing concerns about lack of transparency, massive water and electricity usage, and tax deals benefiting corporations over residents. The group has gathered over 85,000 signatures so far, with a target of 413,000.
A grassroots movement named "Conserve Ohio" is actively campaigning for a statewide constitutional amendment in Ohio to restrict the size of new data centers to a maximum of 25MW. The initiative, initially aimed for the fall ballot, has been postponed to the fall of 2027 to allow more time for signature collection. The group asserts that many proposed projects in Ohio exceed 1000MW, far beyond typical data center sizes, and that current development is marred by secrecy and unfavorable tax deals.
Danielle Kinhalt, a volunteer for Conserve Ohio, expressed concerns about a 1.3 gigawatt data center proposed near her Manchester home, particularly highlighting the lack of transparency from the Adams County Commissioners regarding the project. Conserve Ohio has gathered over 85,000 in-person signatures, needing approximately 413,000 valid signatures from at least half of Ohio's 88 counties to qualify for the ballot. They aim to collect around 700,000 signatures to account for disqualifications.
While proponents argue data centers bring investment, construction jobs, and can be sustainable through water recycling and self-sufficient power, Conserve Ohio counters that developers are drawn to Ohio primarily by "sweetheart deals" and perceive a lack of accountability. The group remains committed to its goal, emphasizing that their collected signatures never expire and their momentum is growing.