Ohio Communities Overwhelmingly Pass Local Data Center Restrictions

Last week, Ohio voters put more data center-related measures on the ballot than any other state, overwhelmingly voting to restrict the massive computing facilities from Piqua to Grove City, ideastream.org reported.

Across the state, communities looked at everything from outright bans to zoning reviews and the recall of elected officials who supported the tech expansion. In Trenton, a charter amendment banning data centers over 25 megawatts passed with 80 percent of the vote. Similar restrictions cleared by wide margins in Urbana, Piqua, and Sunbury.

Voters pushed back largely over concerns about skyrocketing utility bills and strain on local resources. These computing facilities require massive amounts of electricity, driving up energy costs statewide while residents face tough financial choices.

Ohio voters reject data center developments across multiple communities

People also worry about noise, pollution, and water use from big tech neighbors, alongside a general lack of transparency from local officials. That shows when the power of the people comes together, we can beat money and we can beat big tech, said Barry Blankenship, who led a data center resistance group in Trenton.

While roughly a dozen other states weighed similar ballot measures, Ohio’s footprint is uniquely large.

Ohio Communities Overwhelmingly Pass Local Data Center Restrictions — Photo: reason.com

A statewide coalition known as Conserve Ohio helped draft the local ballot language and is now collecting signatures for a petition to amend the Ohio Constitution, aiming to prohibit large-scale data centers statewide.

Current projects permitted or already under construction will largely proceed as planned. But future hyperscale developments face a much steeper climb as communities rewrite local rules to keep big tech at bay.