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Sponsors tell committee HB 646 would create data center study commission to assess impacts
Summary
At a first hearing, sponsors said House Bill 646 would establish a statewide data center study commission to examine land use, energy, water, economic and community impacts and issue a report within six months; sponsors said appointment and emergency-clause mechanics would govern timing.
Representatives Klick and Dieter told the House Technology and Innovation Committee that House Bill 646 would establish a statewide data center study commission to evaluate the rapid expansion of data centers in Ohio and recommend best practices or legislation.
Representative Klick said constituents in his district have raised concerns about loss of agricultural land, local water supply impacts, wastewater disposal, strain on the electric grid, higher utility rates for ratepayers, noise and light pollution, electromagnetic-field health concerns, and excessive tax abatements that have not produced promised economic benefits. "A statewide data center study commission makes sense," Klick said, arguing the…
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