Data Center Ban Initiative Gets Green Light for Ohio Ballot Drive
COLUMBUS, OHIO — State officials have approved language for a proposed ballot initiative that would ban new data centers in Ohio, allowing petitioners to begin collecting the signatures needed to place the measure before voters.
The Ohio Ballot Board gave petitioners authorization to start gathering signatures for what they’re calling the “Data Center Prohibition Act.” The proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit the construction of new data centers statewide and require existing facilities to phase out operations within five years.
Organizers need to collect approximately 413,000 valid signatures from registered Ohio voters to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. The signatures must be submitted by early 2026 to meet state deadlines.
Environmental and Energy Concerns Drive Initiative
Supporters of the ban argue that data centers consume excessive amounts of electricity and water while providing minimal economic benefits to local communities. They highlight concerns about strain on the electrical grid and environmental impacts from increased energy consumption.
“These facilities are energy vampires that suck resources from our communities while offering very few jobs in return,” said campaign spokesperson Maria Rodriguez, according to organizers. “Ohio families are paying higher utility bills to subsidize these corporate data farms.”
The initiative comes as several major tech companies have announced plans to build large-scale data centers across Ohio, particularly in rural areas where land costs are lower and tax incentives are available.
Industry Opposition Expected
Technology industry groups are expected to oppose the ballot measure. Data center operators argue these facilities bring substantial investment and support high-paying technical jobs.
The Data Center Coalition, a national trade organization, has not yet responded to requests for comment about the Ohio initiative. However, the group has previously opposed similar restrictions in other states, citing the essential role data centers play in supporting cloud computing, streaming services, and digital infrastructure.
Economic development officials have promoted data centers as sources of capital investment and property tax revenue for local governments. Several Ohio communities have offered tax abatements and other incentives to attract these facilities.
Signature Collection Begins Statewide
Petition organizers plan to establish collection sites in major metropolitan areas including Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. They’re also targeting college campuses and environmental advocacy events to gather signatures.
The campaign faces a tight timeline to collect the required signatures. Ohio law requires initiative petitions to contain signatures from at least 44 of the state’s 88 counties, with specific minimum thresholds in each county.
If successful, the measure would make Ohio the first state to impose a blanket prohibition on data center construction. Several other states have considered regulations on data center development, but none have pursued outright bans.
State election officials confirmed that petition language meets constitutional requirements and addresses a single subject, as required by Ohio law. The attorney general’s office previously certified the ballot summary as fair and truthful.
Supporters have 180 days from the approval date to submit their signatures to county election boards for verification. County officials then have 10 days to validate the signatures and forward them to the Secretary of State’s office.
Sources: Ohio Capital Journal
