Ohio voters reject data centers in 14 municipalities, expanding local moratoriums to 125

Ohio voters rejected data center projects in at least 14 municipalities on Tuesday, with 21 ballot measures on AI infrastructure across 18 communities, signaling strong opposition to the state's planned $40 billion AI buildout by 2030. The measures included bans on large data centers using 25 megawatts or more in places like Sunbury and Pataskala, with Trenton passing a ban 80% to 20%. Wilmington voters rejected rezoning for a data center project, while Perry approved requiring financial guarantees from developers for tax breaks. Ohio already has 125 local data center moratoriums, and polls show 55% of Ohioans oppose construction, driven by environmental and economic concerns. Pro-AI group Build American AI spent $2.54 million on ads touting benefits, but opposition remains bipartisan across the state.