Ohio Farm Bureau welcomes bipartisan data center study committee creation
The committee will examine the rapid growth of data centers across the state and identifying potential legislative solutions before they recess.
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Ohio lawmakers recently announced the creation of a bicameral data center study committee aimed at examining the rapid growth of data centers across the state and identifying potential legislative solutions before they recess.
The joint study committee will be co-chaired by Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) and Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport). Additional members include Rep. Thad Claggett (R- Newark), Rep. Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown), Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted), Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), Sen. Shane Wilkin (R- Hillsboro) and Sen. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton).
According to legislative leaders, the committee will evaluate the environmental and energy demands of data centers, potential impacts to ratepayers, economic development considerations, and national security implications tied to the facilities. The panel is expected to meet May 27 and 28.
Among the issues still under discussion is a possible veto override tied to language that would eliminate the sales and use tax exemption currently available to data centers.
Ohio Farm Bureau looks forward to engaging with the study committee on the many concerns raised by Farm Bureau members, including electricity grid demand, water quality and quantity impact, land use and the need for the proliferation of data centers.
Online Extras
AFBF Market Intel: Balancing Data Center Growth with American Agriculture
Ohio Farm Bureau hosts Data Centers Webinar
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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