POLITICS

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.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 11: Charlotte city staff presented findings to council members about data centers.
May 26: Charlotte City Council scheduled a public hearing to gather community feedback.
June 8: Charlotte may vote on a proposed data center moratorium ordinance.
July 1: Ohio petitioners must submit 413,000 signatures from 44 counties for ballot placement.
R&L Capital filed a small power plant exemption application with the California Energy Commission regarding the Inyokern proposal.

Why This Matters to You

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.

The Bottom Line

Communities are starting to question the impact of data centers. From Ohio to North Carolina, local voices are being heard. If you're concerned, attend public hearings or sign petitions. Worth forwarding if you know someone in these areas.