Ohio Supreme Court Allows Developer Into Trenton Data Center Lawsuit

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Trenton Data Center Campus LLC may intervene in a lawsuit challenging the construction of a 145-acre data center in Trenton, Ohio. The developer sought intervention to protect a $38 million investment in the project, arguing that its financial interests were at risk.

The legal battle stems from a petition drive by local opponents who want to amend the city charter to ban any data center larger than 25 megawatts. Although the city argued the developer lacked a clear legal right to intervene, the court granted the request. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce supported the developer, stating the outcome determines if the state remains a leader in business and economic development.

This decision follows a separate ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court regarding a data center project in Ashville. In that case, the court halted a contract with EdgeConnex, requiring a public referendum before the project could proceed.