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.
AFBF Market Intel: Balancing Data Center Growth with American Agriculture
Ohio Farm Bureau hosts Data Centers Webinar
Ohio Farm Bureau supports responsible economic development and will continue to advocate for policies that protect Ohio’s water resources, farmland and rural communities.
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Ohio Farm Bureau shared members’ concerns about the rapid growth of data centers across the state and the long-term impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
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Gov. Mike DeWine’s recent decision to pause consideration of any new data center tax exemption requests, through the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Study Committee looks at the growth of data centers in Ohio.
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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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Farmland should be seen as a national resource is a view encapsulated in Farm Bureau’s recent policy supporting the creation of a national farmland preservation strategy.
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A recording of the webinar is available to Farm Bureau members. Please log in to your member account at ofbf.org, then click the link to access the recording.
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