Ohio voters to decide local data center restrictions as statewide ban effort continues

Voters in at least 18 Ohio communities will decide data center-related ballot measures Nov. 3 as opposition to large facilities continues across the state.

The local measures range from bans on large data centers to zoning restrictions, voter-approval requirements and referendums on proposed developments, according to reporting by The Columbus Dispatch.

Conserve Ohio, the group organizing the statewide initiative, is seeking to amend the Ohio Constitution to prohibit construction of data centers with a power demand exceeding 25 megawatts.

The group reported in September that it had collected more than 130,000 signatures across all 88 Ohio counties toward placing the proposal on the Nov. 2, 2027, ballot.

Organizers initially sought to put the measure before voters this November but shifted their efforts to 2027 after missing the deadline to qualify for this year’s election.

Proposed charter amendments in Pataskala, Sunbury and Granville would prohibit data centers exceeding 25 megawatts, while Urbana voters will consider a lower threshold of 7.5 megawatts.

Grove City voters will consider restrictions on large industrial developments, including facilities occupying more than 50 contiguous acres, using more than 20 megawatts of power or consuming more than 500,000 gallons of water daily.

In Ashville, a Pickaway County village, voters are expected to decide a referendum involving an EdgeConneX data center development proposed for approximately 195 acres.

The project would include an 800-megawatt data center and a natural gas power plant.

Village Administrator Bert Cline defended the development, pointing to potential revenue for local schools and the village.

Cline told The Columbus Dispatch that the development could provide $77.4 million to Teays Valley Local Schools upon occupancy, along with additional school and village tax revenue. The payments depend on the Ohio Power Siting Board’s approval of the proposed power plant.

“But it takes revenue to run a village and run schools,” Cline told the newspaper.

Supporters of the developments point to investment, tax revenue and the infrastructure needed to support digital services, while opponents have raised concerns about electricity demand, water consumption and the effects of large industrial facilities on nearby communities.

Connected Ohio, an initiative founded by the Data Center Coalition, has defended the industry’s expansion in the state.

“Ohio’s data centers are the heartbeat of our modern lives, connecting people, enabling essential services like healthcare, education, and public safety, and driving innovations in all sectors of our economy,” the group said.

As Ohio.News previously reported, Ohio leads the nation in local data center ballot measures this year, with Ballotpedia identifying 20 measures across 17 jurisdictions in September.

The proposals follow unsuccessful attempts by state lawmakers to establish additional restrictions on data center tax incentives and utility costs.

Gov. Mike DeWine previously vetoed proposed data center provisions in the state budget, while subsequent legislation addressing tax breaks and other requirements stalled.

Conserve Ohio’s proposed constitutional amendment would extend restrictions beyond individual communities if supporters collect enough valid signatures and voters approve the measure in 2027.