Ohio Data Center Push: Local Group Targets Statewide Ban

A coalition of Ohio residents is pursuing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the construction of large-scale data centers across the state. The group, Conserve Ohio, aims to place the measure on the ballot for voters in 2027. This effort follows a series of local ballot initiatives in ten communities that would amend charters to block the specific type of infrastructure used to power artificial intelligence.

The movement originated in Mt. Orab, a village of 4,300 people near Cincinnati. Property records indicate that 1,000 acres of farmland and trees were sold to a data center developer in 2024 and 2025. Some of this land borders two-story homes. Nick Owens, a lifelong Republican and local attorney, led the initial investigation. Nondisclosure agreements prevented residents from learning details about the project. Owens joined forces with another attorney and a real estate agent to form the group. They now include Democrats, Republicans, and Independents from nearly all 88 counties in Ohio.

Owens stated that the group shares a passion for preserving the rural character of Ohio. "We're going to find out in ten communities whether or not the communities want them," he said regarding the current local votes. The group argues that this approach grants a direct say to residents, moving beyond the temporary pauses adopted by hundreds of municipal and county governments.

Tech companies have been drawn to Ohio for over a decade due to inexpensive land, energy infrastructure, and tax breaks. This combination has led to rapid growth in the sector. While proponents cite tax revenue and construction jobs, opponents point to noise, emissions, and the need for new power plants. Owens suggested that data centers should be built on old industrial sites rather than pristine farmland. "Our community is not for sale," he said.

The issue has become a major topic in the upcoming midterms. Former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown has described incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted as "the face of data centers." Brown highlighted Husted's past support for tech investments during his time as lieutenant governor. Husted has countered by introducing a bill in Congress requiring data centers to pay for power grid upgrades. Senate Democrats have blocked the measure, which Husted called toothless.

Linda Moodie, an independent volunteer in Fairfield, is collecting signatures for the statewide petition. She expressed doubt that elected officials will grant residents a say in the buildout. "The closer it hits to home, the more people that are going to want to do something," Moodie said. She recently distributed petition materials at a community celebration in Fairfield.

The data center debate is affecting local political enthusiasm. Mt. Orab, which voted 80 percent for President Trump in 2024, has few campaign signs this fall. Owens, a Trump delegate in 2024, noted that the issue has dampened Republican support in rural areas. He described President Trump's recent social media comments defending data centers as "tone deaf." Trump wrote that communities opposing data centers risk becoming "backwards and poor." Construction at the Mt. Orab site has not yet begun, and the timeline remains unclear.