Data centers becoming local election flashpoint
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Cincinnati residents got their first in-person chance Monday to weigh in on data center regulations, as the massive facilities powering AI become a flashpoint in elections across the region.
Why it matters: Ohio has become one of the country's hottest spots for data center development, and candidates of both parties are sparring over their economic benefits and potential costs.
Driving the news: Dozens attended a public meeting in Walnut Hills to speak about electricity costs, water consumption and environmental impacts.
- Cincinnati has restricted new data centers through February 2027 while developing permanent zoning rules.
- Officials expect to release draft regulations for public feedback in November, but residents can weigh in now through an online survey.
The political stakes:
- Congress: Incumbent Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati), who's facing Republican Eric Conroy, introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit nondisclosure agreements that keep data center deals secret from communities. Conroy has also called for transparency and local control.
- Butler County commissioner: Republican Michael Ryan supports the county's temporary data center moratorium, but favors development in appropriate locations. Democrat Mike Miller opposes projects that strain utilities or harm communities.
- Warren County commissioner: Republican incumbent Tom Grossmann says officials are working to limit community impact. Democrat Ian Logan opposes secrecy agreements, while Libertarian Katherine Bowles has supported a proposed statewide ban on large data centers.
Zoom in: Trenton voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to ban data centers requiring more than 25 megawatts of power.
- Issue 17 could affect two Amazon Web Services projects, including one under construction, though its impact on that project is disputed.
- City Council has proposed tax cuts and other benefits for residents if voters reject the ban and both projects move forward.