COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at banning new data centers in Ohio has cleared an initial hurdle, with Attorney General Dave Yost approving its ballot language Thursday.
A group of rural Ohio residents first submitted a petition on March 16 to begin the amendment process. With the language now approved, organizers can start collecting signatures across the state. If they secure enough valid signatures, the proposal could appear on the ballot for voters to decide.
Supporters say the effort gained momentum quickly, gathering about 1,800 signatures in just over a week. The group now has until July to collect roughly 413,500 signatures to qualify for the November ballot.
Under Ohio law, citizen-led constitutional amendments require signatures equal to at least 10% of voters from the last gubernatorial election. These must also come from at least 44 of the state’s 88 counties.
If the measure reaches the ballot and is approved, it would allow voters to decide whether to prohibit the construction of data centers that consume more than 25 megawatts per month.
The proposal comes amid growing opposition from communities, with several municipalities already exploring restrictions or bans. Ohio currently has about 200 data centers, most located in central parts of the state.
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