Ohio Moves Closer to Constitutional Amendment Banning Data Center Construction
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has greenlit the title and summary of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting the construction of data centers across the state. The amendment, titled “Prohibition of Construction of a Data Center,” seeks to add Section 36a to Article II of the Ohio Constitution, effectively banning facilities primarily used for digital information storage, processing, and dissemination.
The petition, filed on March 16, targets buildings housing computer systems, servers, and networking equipment that consume more than 25 megawatts of energy monthly. This move has sparked debates across Ohio, pitting economic development advocates against those concerned about energy consumption and environmental impact.
In a statement, Yost’s office confirmed that the title and summary of the petition are “fair and truthful.” However, the attorney general emphasized that the certification does not imply endorsement of the amendment’s enforceability or constitutionality.
What’s Next for the Petition?
The process is far from over. Yost’s office will now submit a verified copy of the amendment and its certification to the Ohio Secretary of State. From there, petitioners must gather signatures from registered voters equal to at least 10% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. Additionally, these signatures must come from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with each county contributing at least 5% of its gubernatorial election votes.
If enough signatures are collected and verified at least 65 days before the next election, the proposed amendment will be added to the ballot. Ohioans could then vote on the measure in the next regular or general election, which would take place no earlier than 125 days after the petition’s filing.
Why the Focus on Data Centers?
The petition highlights concerns over the massive energy demands of data centers, which are critical to supporting the digital economy. Proponents of the amendment argue that these facilities strain Ohio’s energy grid and contribute to environmental degradation. Critics, however, warn that banning data centers could hinder technological innovation and economic growth in the state.
Ohio has become a hub for tech infrastructure in recent years, attracting major companies seeking affordable land and energy resources. The proposed amendment could upend this trend, raising questions about the state’s future role in the digital economy.
Broader Implications
If passed, Ohio would become the first state to constitutionally ban the construction of data centers—a move that could set a precedent for others grappling with similar challenges. The debate underscores the growing tension between technological advancement and sustainability, a theme increasingly relevant in policymaking nationwide.
As Ohio prepares for the next steps in this process, residents, businesses, and policymakers alike are closely watching the unfolding developments. The outcome could reshape the state’s economic landscape and signal a broader shift in how communities balance progress and preservation.
For now, Ohioans await the signature-gathering phase, which will determine whether the amendment makes it to the ballot. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high.
— Reported by Nexio News
