Citizens Protest Data Centre Development Before Construction Even Begins
Opposition to the construction of data centres is spreading across various states in the United States. Recently, residents in Defiance, Ohio, have strongly rejected the development of data centres in their region, despite no facilities having been built or operated there yet.
According to a poll conducted by Bowling Green State on 31 August, approximately 71% of Ohio residents voiced their opposition. “Most people feel like victims of big business,” said Becca Rupp, founder of Citizens for Responsible Development, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday (22/9/2026).
Residents believe that the presence of data centres will lead to numerous negative impacts on their towns, ranging from the conversion of agricultural land to surges in electricity demand and high water consumption.
Furthermore, they have highlighted the potential loss of sales tax revenue exceeding US$2 billion. This figure represents the impact of data centre incentive facilities granted in 2024 and 2025.
Regarding these tax exemptions, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has issued a moratorium on new applications. However, Reuters noted that the state parliament had not taken action before the summer recess began, leaving the decision in a state of uncertainty.
The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also become a politically charged issue. For instance, Democratic US Representative Marcy Kaptur has accused her Republican opponent, Derek Merrin, of supporting these tax incentives.
Meanwhile, Sherrod Brown, who is also contesting the US Senate election in Ohio, criticised his political opponent for promoting AI infrastructure development and tax incentives, labelling them as the “best friends of data centres.”
On the other hand, the campaign team of his opponent, incumbent Jon Husted, has rejected these claims. Husted is said to have sponsored regulations that require data centre operators to personally bear the costs of constructing additional power plants and transmission lines.