Should Ohio voters decide the future of data centers? DeWine says not so fast - The Daily Drop

A significant debate is underway in Ohio concerning who should determine the future of data center development: state lawmakers or voters. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has publicly stated his preference for legislative action, arguing that the General Assembly is better equipped to thoroughly examine regulatory and restriction proposals for data centers through hearings and detailed review, rather than via a constitutional amendment brought forth by a ballot measure. A group of Ohioans has already been approved to gather signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment. If passed, this amendment would prohibit data centers larger than 25 megawatts, a measure that would effectively halt most large-scale data center projects currently in planning stages across the state. To qualify for the November ballot, proponents of the amendment must collect approximately 413,000 valid signatures by July. In response to growing concerns, the Ohio House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill to establish a data center study commission, which is now awaiting hearings in the Senate. Other legislative proposals under consideration include requiring data center companies to cover the costs of necessary grid upgrades and mandating state regulatory approval before these costs can be passed on to consumers. The expansion of data centers into rural Ohio has sparked a broader debate over transparency, resource allocation, and the actual benefits these developments bring to local communities, as reported by Anna Staver on cleveland.com.