Ohio Creates Bipartisan Data Center Committee to Study Industry Impact
Ohio lawmakers launch bipartisan committee to examine data center impacts, with first meetings scheduled for May 27-28 and testimony from tech giants like Google and Meta.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Ohio lawmakers have established a bipartisan committee to examine the economic, environmental, and security impacts of data center development across the state, with the first meetings scheduled for later this month.
State Rep. Adam Holmes, R-Nashport, and state Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, will serve as co-chairs of the joint committee, which aims to provide accurate information to local officials and citizens about data center operations.
“The mission of this committee is to ensure that Ohio citizens have accurate, relevant and usable information concerning the economic, environmental, and security impacts of Ohio data center development,” Holmes said.
Committee Membership and Timeline
The committee includes seven lawmakers from both chambers and political parties. House members joining Holmes are Reps. Thad Claggett, R-Licking County, Heidi Workman, R-Rootstown, and Chris Glassburn, D-North Olmsted.
From the Senate, Chavez will work alongside Sens. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, Shane Wilkin, R-Hillsboro, and Willis E. Blackshear Jr., D-Dayton.
The committee’s inaugural meetings are set for May 27 and May 28, with plans to meet at least weekly thereafter. Chavez said the committee will continue meeting until reaching what he described as a “natural breaking point.”
Industry Participation Expected
Committee leaders plan to invite testimony from data center workers, citizens, and major technology companies. Holmes confirmed they have already approached tech giants Meta and Google about participating.
“They’re anxious to come,” Holmes said. “I think they have a message they want to broadcast on exactly how they’re handling the concerns.”
The committee aims to share its findings with local government officials including council trustees, county commissioners, and mayors, as well as concerned citizens throughout Ohio.
“We intend to get this information out to council trustees, county commissioners, mayors, and concerned citizens,” Chavez said. “We want to make sure that folks are able to get information and be able to have critical conversations with the relevant information.”
The formation of this committee reflects growing interest in data center development across Ohio as technology companies seek locations for their expanding infrastructure needs.
