Village Council considers data center moratorium in Yellow Springs

The Yellow Springs Village Council is actively considering a proposed year-long moratorium on the creation of any large-scale data centers within the village limits. Council member Stephanie Pearce introduced the ordinance, stating that such developments do not align with the community's scale, needs, or values, and could place significant demands on local infrastructure. The initiative is a proactive response to a growing trend across Ohio, where at least 15 communities have already enacted similar moratoriums due to concerns over high energy demand, environmental impacts, and strain on local grids. Village Manager Johnnie Burns highlighted that Yellow Springs' municipal infrastructure, with a peak electricity demand of 11 megawatts and capability of 14, cannot support the 100 megawatts often required by hyperscale data centers. Council President Gavin DeVore Leonard echoed concerns about the physical footprint needed. While Council members unanimously agreed to discourage large-scale data centers, they also discussed refining the ordinance to specify the size and scale of development that would be prohibited, differentiating it from smaller, existing entities like the Miami Valley Education Computer Association (MVECA). Village Solicitor Amy Blankenship suggested defining the moratorium based on square footage, grid draw, or water usage. The Council is scheduled to give a first reading to the moratorium ordinance at its next regular meeting on May 18, after considering a new draft with specified language on scale.