Objection for Data Centers in Ohio!

Ohio residents are pushing back against the AI boom — and they're not just making noise. A grassroots group called Ohio Residents for Responsible Development has collected 25,000 signatures in just five weeks, launching a campaign to ban large data centers from the state entirely — written directly into Ohio's constitution. The proposed amendment would prohibit construction of any data center with an aggregate power demand exceeding 25 megawatts. That threshold specifically targets the massive facilities being built by Amazon, Google, Meta, and other tech giants to fuel artificial intelligence expansion. Ohio has emerged as one of the fastest-growing data center hubs in the country, attracting billions in corporate investment while raising serious alarms about power grid strain, water consumption, and local infrastructure. Here's the challenge: 25,000 signatures is a milestone, but it's a long road from where they need to be. To land the amendment on Ohio's November 2026 ballot, the group must collect 413,488 valid signatures — and they have until July 1 to do it. Organizers say additional signatures are still being counted and they're confident in their momentum. The push is part of a growing national backlash against data center proliferation. Critics say these facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water while providing relatively few local jobs. Residents near planned or existing facilities report concerns about noise, rising energy costs, and strain on already-taxed power grids. If enough signatures are certified, Ohio voters would decide in November whether to write this prohibition into their state constitution permanently. Big Tech companies are watching closely — a successful amendment in Ohio could inspire similar efforts across the country.