Ohio Farm Bureau shares members’ concerns with Joint Data Center Committee
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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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
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
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.
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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