COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) A grassroots campaign in Ohio is gathering signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment that would place new limits on data center development across the state, potentially sending the issue directly to voters.
According to reporting from WTVG, organizers with the group Conserve Ohio are leading the petition effort, which seeks to regulate the size and scope of large-scale data centers operating in Ohio communities.
Proposal would cap data center size at 25 megawatts
Under the proposed amendment, data centers would be limited to a maximum size of 25 megawatts, which organizers say is enough to power roughly 25,000 homes depending on usage patterns.
Supporters of the measure argue that large-scale facilities place significant strain on local infrastructure, including electricity demand and water resources, while also raising concerns about land use and community impact.
“This is small mid-west Ohio pushing back and saying we have a vote, we have a say in what happens to our communities,” said Lyn Cox, a lead organizer with Conserve Ohio, in remarks reported by WTVG. “It’s the people rising up.”
Petition drive targets hundreds of thousands of signatures
To qualify for the ballot, organizers must collect approximately 413,000 valid signatures statewide, though campaign leaders say they are aiming for closer to 700,000 signatures to ensure eligibility.
Cox said the effort is expected to move forward regardless of timing, stating, “Whether it goes on this year or next year it’s going to go on the ballot.”
Signature collection efforts have been underway at public gatherings, including farmers markets in northwest Ohio, with additional drives planned in other communities.
Concerns over infrastructure strain and resource use
Supporters of the amendment argue that large data centers require substantial energy and water consumption, potentially affecting surrounding communities and local utility systems.
Cox also described the effort as a response to powerful technology companies and state-level decision-making, saying organizers are “fighting the largest companies in the world” as well as some government interests.
The campaign says the goal is to give local communities greater control over whether and how large data center projects are built.
Ohio already a major hub for data centers
According to state data cited in the report, Ohio currently has more than 200 data centers, ranking it among the top five states nationally for such facilities. Most are concentrated in central Ohio, where infrastructure and connectivity make large-scale operations feasible.
As demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital storage continues to grow, Ohio has become a key destination for major technology infrastructure investment.
Issue draws broad political attention
Organizers say the proposal has gained support across political lines, with residents expressing concern about local impacts regardless of party affiliation.
“It’s the first issue that I’ve ever seen bridge political divide,” Cox said. “People as far left and as far right as you can possibly imagine all agree on this.”
The petition effort continues statewide, with organizers working to meet signature requirements ahead of possible ballot qualification in an upcoming election cycle.
