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Ohio Farm Bureau recently provided testimony before the Ohio House Technology and Innovation Committee in support of House Bill 646, legislation that would establish a Data Center Study Commission to examine the impact of rapid data center development across the state. 

“While data centers may provide some benefits to our country, state, and local areas, the absence of a robust regulatory framework and long-term planning may lead to unforeseen repercussions,” said Evan Callicoat, Ohio Farm Bureau director of state policy. “Establishing a study commission allows for a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure we make informed decisions that serve Ohio well into the future.”

Introduced by Reps. Gary Click and Kelli Deeter, HB 646 would charge the commission with studying environmental impacts, water use, electric grid reliability, farmland preservation and other factors associated with bringing data centers online.

Ohio currently ranks fifth in the nation for the number of data centers, with approximately 200 facilities operating statewide – nearly double the number of any neighboring state. Ohio Farm Bureau members understand that technology and innovation play an important role in supporting Ohio’s economy, and recognize that agriculture is a technologically advanced industry. At the same time, members have raised questions about the scale and pace of data center development, along with the significant land, water, electricity and natural gas infrastructure required to support these projects. 

Farmland preservation and land use are leading concerns for OFBF members. Ohio has lost 1 million acres of farmland over the past 20 years, and members want to ensure that any large-scale development is approached responsibly and balances economic growth, private property rights and the preservation of prime farmland.

“As a state and country, we must recognize that farmland is a strategic resource and a vital part of our nation’s security. And once farmland is lost, it is likely gone forever as a productive agricultural resource,” Callicoat said. 

Ohio Farm Bureau supports HB 646 as a measured step to evaluate the impact of data centers, provide lawmakers with comprehensive information, and help guide long-term planning decisions. In addition to the work on this legislation, Ohio Farm Bureau has also been heavily involved around water quality when it comes to data centers and development. 

Watch Callicoat’s testimony

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To learn more about the impact of data centers and Ohio Farm Bureau’s policy position, check out the recent Legal with Leah episode covering the questions around data centers.