Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
I wish to express my deep concern regarding the increased possibility of building a “data center” on the...
Read moreThis isn’t just about one proposed project—it’s about process.
Right now, communities are being asked to react without standardized, upfront information. Before any decisions are made, there should be clear disclosure of key factors like projected energy use, water sourcing, cooling methods, noise levels, and infrastructure impact.
Without that baseline, discussions quickly become speculative on all sides.
It’s also worth noting that the Ohio Legislature has begun exploring how to better define and manage large-scale data center development—largely in response to these same concerns.
If projects of this scale are going to move forward, Ohio should consider requiring a consistent disclosure framework so communities can evaluate them based on facts—not assumptions.
Keep yours eyes on where the puck is going to be— happening now: Ohio lawmakers are considering stripping local governments of the ability to block new nuclear plants to power AI systems and data centers. If you value local control, better speak up now.