Residents in Ohio and Wyoming Fight Data Center Expansion

Communities in Ohio and Wyoming are mobilizing against the rapid expansion of data centers, citing concerns over resource depletion and public spending. In Ohio, the grassroots campaign Conserve Ohio is gathering signatures for a constitutional amendment that would cap the size of data centers at 25 megawatts. Organizers are targeting 700,000 signatures, with 413,000 required to place the measure on a future ballot, arguing that these facilities strain water and electricity infrastructure while creating few permanent jobs.

Economic analysis from Scioto Analysis shows that 10 of 14 surveyed economists disagree that tax incentives for data centers are an efficient use of public funds. However, many of these experts warn that a total construction ban could compromise national security by hindering U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence. The debate is further complicated by a history of utility corruption in Ohio and reports from Policy Matters Ohio that tax breaks for companies like Google and Meta could cost taxpayers $1 million per job created.

Similarly, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, residents led by Heather Madrid have petitioned for a 12-to-18-month moratorium on new data centers to allow for independent impact studies. The move comes amid massive growth, including a planned 3,200-acre expansion by Microsoft. While local officials and economic development leaders argue the industry brings high-wage jobs, some admit that the pace of development has outpaced urban planning.