COLUMBUS — Petitions are circulating in communities across Ohio that supporters say would stop data center projects, though the measures typically do more than that.
Most are aimed at large data centers, which draw heavy amounts of power and water. But the proposals generally reach beyond any single project. They require a citywide vote before local officials can approve major development, shifting decisions that now rest with elected city councils and mayors to the ballot box.
Residents have long had avenues to challenge a specific project over its water use, electricity demand, traffic, or other local effects. In some cases, though, these petitions go further, rewriting how a local government makes decisions rather than contesting one development.
Written broadly, some versions could also apply to businesses already operating in a community, and a few include daily fines for companies found out of compliance with the new rules. Supporters say the measures give residents a direct voice. Critics warn they could freeze routine growth and prompt existing employers to reconsider expansion.
The petition drives have also drawn scrutiny over how signatures are gathered. Under Ohio Revised Code 3599.14, misrepresenting the contents, purpose, or effect of a petition to persuade someone to sign is a fifth-degree felony, and the law applies to individual circulators, not only the groups behind a measure.
Residents may withdraw their signatures before a petition is filed with a county board of elections. After filing, formal protests over how a petition was circulated can be brought before the board within strict deadlines.
If you signed one of these petitions and believe its purpose or effect was misrepresented to you, contact [email protected].