Local Governments and Communities Scrutinize Data Center Growth
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Columbus, Ohio — Petitioners are collecting signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit construction of data centers with peak loads above 25 megawatts, seeking more than 413,000 valid signatures from at least 44 counties by July 1 after receiving authorization from the Ohio Ballot Board about a month earlier and relying on volunteers to gather signatures.
Charlotte, North Carolina held a staff presentation on May 11 and scheduled a public hearing for May 26 ahead of a possible June 8 vote on a data center moratorium after a proposed Hood Road project drew attention; in California and Tennessee, regulators and planning commissions are assessing filings, resource estimates and zoning recommendations as communities weigh water and power impacts.
More context
Timeline
- 1. May 11: Charlotte city staff presented findings to council members about data centers.
- 2. May 26: Charlotte City Council scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback.
- 3. June 8: Charlotte may vote on a proposed data center moratorium ordinance.
- 4. July 1: Ohio petitioners must submit 413,000 signatures from 44 counties for ballot placement.
- 5. R&L Capital filed a small power plant exemption application with the California Energy Commission regarding the Inyokern proposal.
Why it matters
Data centers can affect your community. They use a lot of power and water, which can strain local resources. If you're in Ohio, you might have a say in their future. Keep an eye out for the petition circulating in your county.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.














