Ohio Chamber Urges Data Center Rules Amid Political Tension

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is urging state leaders to establish clear regulations for the data center industry to avoid an existential crisis for the sector. This call follows a report from the organization's research foundation showing that data centers contributed over $9 billion to Ohio's gross domestic product last year and supported 69,600 jobs.

Despite these economic contributions, the industry faces significant political headwinds. Governor-elect Amy Acton has proposed a moratorium on data centers unless the facilities utilize union labor and pay for their own energy. This tension is compounded by the loss of $1.57 billion in sales tax revenue due to state exemptions, a practice Governor Mike DeWine paused in May.

President and CEO Steve Stivers stated that the 2026 election results indicated voter dissatisfaction with the current business model of data centers. He is calling on the legislature and the governor-elect to set the rules of the road during the upcoming lame duck session to ensure the industry provides tangible benefits to local communities and residents.