Ohio Gubernatorial Candidates Propose Divergent Data Center Regulations

Gubernatorial candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton have introduced opposing policy frameworks to regulate the expansion of data centers in Ohio. The proposals follow a trend of increasing state restriction, including Governor Mike DeWine's May decision to pause new tax exemption requests and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's July 21 rejection of a blanket wastewater discharge permit in favor of individual project reviews.

Vivek Ramaswamy proposed three nonnegotiable requirements for data center developers: paying full property taxes, adhering to strict air and water quality standards, and providing compensation or free electricity to nearby residents. He pledged to issue an executive order on his first day in office to halt all new project approvals until these conditions are met.

Amy Acton proposed a conditional moratorium on the industry. Her framework requires data centers to cover 100% of their utility costs, employ union labor, and eliminate non-disclosure agreements to ensure transparency. Both candidates cite the burden on Ohio families and the lack of clearly defined economic benefits as primary drivers for their restrictive approaches.