COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio’s Joint Data Center Committee has begun hearing testimony on the potential benefits and challenges associated with the growing number of data center projects across the state.
The bipartisan committee, made up of members of the Ohio House and Senate, is examining the impact large-scale data center developments could have on local communities, infrastructure and the state’s economy.
Lawmakers said they are seeking factual information before making any major policy decisions regarding future data center projects.
During the committee’s first hearings, members heard testimony from representatives of the energy industry, data center sector and state government officials about the effects of the developments.
The review comes as Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered a pause on tax exemptions for future data center projects. The move followed reports that tax exemptions granted to data centers have surpassed $1 billion. Ohio currently has approximately 200 data centers in operation.
The committee is scheduled to hear public testimony on June 1 as lawmakers continue evaluating the role data centers may play in the state’s future and any policy that would need to be written.
