ONU survey finds 55% of Ohioans oppose data center construction
A statewide Ohio Northern University survey found that 55% of Ohio adults oppose building data centers in the state. Respondents most commonly cited concerns about higher utility bills, environmental effects and economic impacts.
A survey of 1,650 Ohio adults by Ohio Northern University’s Institute for Civics and Public Policy, conducted with SurveyUSA, found that 55% oppose data center construction in Ohio. Opposition was consistent across major demographic groups and regions of the state.
Researchers said 79% of respondents believe data centers will increase utility bills, while 66% expect negative environmental effects and 50% anticipate economic harm. Student researchers, including Aldon Edger, Evan Kimmel and Lauren Childs, are developing educational projects to explain policy issues and share the findings with the public.