COLUMBUS
A growing movement in Ohio, led by Brown County attorney Nick Owens, aims to halt the rapid expansion of hyperscale data centers across the state. Owens, a lifelong Republican, is pushing amendments to local charters and the state constitution to prohibit new large-scale data center construction.
Owens launched his campaign after discovering that 1,000 acres of farmland and trees in Mt. Orab, Ohio, sold to a data center developer in 2024 and 2025. The property borders two-story homes in the rural Cincinnati exurb. Owens said the development undermines the area's character.
When he tried to learn more about the projects, nondisclosure agreements blocked him. That secrecy drove Owens to organize opposition. He connected with another local attorney and a real estate agent who shared his concerns. Together, they formed Conserve Ohio, a network of volunteers spanning nearly all 88 counties in the state.
The group draws support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Its stated goal: preserve Ohio's way of life from what organizers call the "hyperscale data center invasion."
This fall, Conserve Ohio is backing ballot initiatives in 10 communities. These measures would amend local charters to prohibit construction of large-scale data centers, particularly those designed to power artificial intelligence. Owens said the votes will show whether communities actually want these facilities—a contrast to politicians' routine claims about respecting local wishes.
Ohio has experienced significant data center growth for over a decade. Tech companies are drawn by inexpensive, abundant land and established energy infrastructure. Generous state tax breaks have also fueled development.
Proponents of expansion highlight economic benefits: tax revenue for the state, direct school funding, construction jobs during development, and a smaller number of permanent operational jobs.
