UC hosts data center community discussion

The University of Cincinnati's School of Environment and Sustainability, in conjunction with the Coalition for Responsible Development, hosted a community discussion focused on the impacts of data centers across Ohio. Experts and presenters explained the nature of data centers and raised concerns about their potential environmental and public health effects on local communities. Casey Putsch, a candidate for Ohio Governor, was among the speakers, emphasizing the need for Ohioans to understand what large-scale data centers could mean for their communities. He highlighted concerns over data centers' high electricity consumption, which he warned could skyrocket costs, and their significant demand for fresh water from sources like Lake Erie, the Ohio River, aquifers, streams, and rivers for cooling. Conversely, some industry representatives argue that data centers are committed to paying the full cost of service for electricity and are working with regulators, utilities, and grid operators to ensure this. Trenton City Manager Marcos Nichols previously spoke with FOX 19 about a 140-144 acre land purchase in Trenton by the real estate company Prologis, which he believes has the potential to be a great addition, bringing economic growth and being a net positive for the community. Congressman Greg Landsman announced he has introduced two bills aimed at protecting communities from the potential negative impacts of data center development.