Reps. Click, Deeter Introduce Bill to Establish Ohio Data Center Study Commission

State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) today introduced legislation to form a bipartisan data center study commission. The study commission will consist of three appointees each from the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Governor. Additionally, two members will be appointed by the minority leaders of each chamber forming a thirteen-member commission.

This proposed legislation is in response to the rapid growth of data centers in Ohio coupled by the growing angst in local communities. The average Ohioan finds it difficult to discern between fact and fiction and frequently feels unheard.

Concerns range from the use of agricultural land to noise pollution, water usage and disposal, energy demand, national security and much more. According to some estimates, there are roughly 200 data centers in Ohio and more being proposed.

Rather than litigate these issues in local communities, a statewide data center study commission would prove to be beneficial to all communities across the state. Public dialogue from all sides followed by an official report should serve everyone well. The initial input that the sponsors have received indicates support from both proponents and opponents of the data centers. They all desire and deserve to make their points and have their sides heard.

"We have heard the concerns of our communities and taken time to speak with those in the industry. We feel that this is the best approach to ensure that every voice is heard," said Representative Click.

"In my rural district of 33 townships, residents are raising serious concerns about greenfield development and the loss of productive farmland. This bill creates a Data Center Study Commission so Ohio can take a thoughtful approach, possibly even prioritizing redevelopment of brownfields and existing industrial sites before expanding into rural green space. The proliferation of data centers is necessary and inevitable, but the growth should be smart, balanced, and respectful of local communities," said Representative Deeter.

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.