Ohio voters are moving to block the construction of new large-scale data centers in the state, pushing a proposed amendment to the state constitution.
Ohio voters are moving to block the construction of new large-scale data centers in the state, pushing a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban new facilities above a certain energy-use threshold.
Certification only means that the title and summary are fair and truthful statements. It does not mean that the attorney general's office is in favor or against the proposed amendment, but certification allows petitioners to collect signatures from registered voters. Dublin resident Amy Swank has opposed data center development since one was built near her neighborhood. "I worry that data centers just aren't gonna be here for the long haul," she said. "Why are we, you know, creating what is essentially gonna be a brownfield, I think very, very soon, when we could be using it for other higher purposes?”The proposal would be a blanket ban on the construction of any new data center that uses more than 25 megawatts of electricity per month. Energy experts estimate that one large data center uses as much energy as 20,000-25,000 residential homes. Swank said she has “an ocean of concerns,” including electricity use. She said she believes centers like these are what are driving up her energy costs. "They're also the number one reason that we are starting to see an energy crisis here in Ohio. I do think, and that's caused a lot of the pollution too," Swank said. "It’s kind of just trading one problem for another and we still haven’t found the perfect solution that is gonna really keep our kids safe.”Sunbury residents voice opposition to proposed Amazon data center Central Ohio has seen a data center boom, including Amazon investing billions and expanding in places such as New Albany, Dublin, and Hilliard. Some argue the proposed amendment could send a message Ohio is closed for business. Christopher Magil, a senior managing director at Vista Site Selections, said data centers can have a broader economic impact. “In Franklin County, every data center job results in about 3.2 additional jobs,” Magil said. “I think the fallacy has always been, well, they don’t create an up-direct job, so therefore they wouldn’t have the same economic returns. Part of today was trying to put some numbers to that to show that they are competitive.” Vice President of State Policy for Data Center Coalition Dan Diorio sent ABC 6 a statement regarding the proposed amendment: “Ohio continues to be one of the nation's most important markets for data centers, and the industry has played an important role in Ohio’s recent economic growth — contributing $9.9 billion to the state’s GDP in 2023. The industry also delivered more than $931 million in state and local taxes – helping fund public safety, transportation, schools, and other community priorities. In addition, data centers supported more than 84,000 jobs across the state, providing many stable, high-paying careers for Ohio workers. In short, the data center industry plays a significant role in enabling Ohio’s growing 21st-century economy, while helping to make life more affordable for Ohioans. A statewide moratorium on data centers would discourage further investment, undermine Ohio’s economic momentum, and send a signal that Ohio is closed for business. It would deprive local communities of the opportunity to compete for investment and jobs, while forcing Ohio to relinquish significant long-term economic investment , high-wage jobs, and critical tax revenue to neighboring states. The data center industry will continue to work with Ohio residents, communities, and policymakers to support the responsible development of this critical infrastructure and ensure Ohio remains competitive in the modern economy.” Petitioners have until July to collect more than 400,000 signatures total from at least half of the state’s counties to place the measure on the November ballot. Those signatures must equal at least 5% of the vote cast in the most recent gubernatorial election for each of those counties. Swank said she plans to sign, even though she typically opposes using the Constitution for narrow issues. “I think that normally I would say we shouldn’t be amending the constitution for one-off things like this, but I think this is a sort of an unusual circumstance in the sense that we have been asking the Ohio Legislator for a really long time to make changes and they haven’t,” Swank said.BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT City officials said they would not comment on how the proposed amendment could affect data centers currently operating in Dublin.Pickaway County has fired its newly hired chief dog warden just one month into the job.A Marion man convicted of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from customers for construction projects that were never finished is headed to prison.A father filed a lawsuit against an airline after his son allegedly died when an airline worker dropped him from a wheelchair while boarding a plane.If you’re ready for a fresh start this spring, the Franklin County Job & Resource Fair could be your next step forward.Happening Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.mAs the weather warms and spring break approaches, there’s no better place for families to reconnect with nature, wildlife, and each other than the Columbus Zoo
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sushi Kuwahata to Reopen in Original Ohio City Location\Look for the omakase sushi den to reopen in late April.
Read more »
Carnell Tate Talks NFL Future, 40-Yard Dash Time After Ohio State Pro DayCarnell Tate breaks down his 40-yard dash decision, upcoming visits and NFL Draft outlook.
Read more »
Central Ohio coffee business fights to keep brewing after farm issue cuts yieldA coffee business rooted in culture and tradition is facing a critical moment.
Read more »
Ohio Celebrates Groundbreaking for Women's MonumentOhio leaders and community members gathered for the groundbreaking of the Ohio Women's Monument. Additionally, the news includes the resignation of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith, a report of a shooting in Columbus, a lawsuit against an airline, and details about the Franklin County Job & Resource Fair.
Read more »
Ohio Corrections Director Resigns to Join Governor's OfficeOhio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Annette Chambers-Smith is resigning to become an advisor in Gov. Mike DeWine’s office. DeWine praised her leadership and noted her focus on preparing inmates for the workforce. The resignation comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the death of a correctional officer at Ross Correctional Institution.
Read more »
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Oversight of JobsOhio Following Podcast ScandalOhio lawmakers from both parties have introduced legislation to increase oversight and accountability for JobsOhio, a private nonprofit corporation responsible for economic development and liquor sales. The proposal follows a scandal involving a podcast that led to the resignation of Ohio State University's president and calls for greater transparency in JobsOhio's spending.
Read more »