By Andi Anderson
The Ohio Farm Bureau has expressed strong support for House Bill 646, legislation designed to help state leaders better understand the rapid rise of data center development across Ohio.
The bill would establish a Data Center Study Commission responsible for examining how data centers affect the environment, land use, infrastructure, and the long‑term needs of Ohio communities. The Farm Bureau described this as an important step toward responsible planning.
Evan Callicoat, director of state policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau, explained the organization’s position, stating, “While data centers may provide some benefits to our country, state, and local areas, the absence of a robust regulatory framework and long-term planning may lead to unforeseen repercussions.” He emphasized that creating a study commission would allow for a “thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure we make informed decisions that serve Ohio well into the future.”
House Bill 646, introduced by Representatives Gary Click and Kelli Deeter, directs the commission to study environmental impacts, water usage, electric grid reliability, farmland preservation, and other issues connected to expanding data center operations.
Ohio currently ranks fifth in the nation for total data centers, with nearly 200 operating statewide—twice as many as neighboring states.
Many Farm Bureau members recognize the role technology plays in strengthening the economy, but they have also voiced concerns about the amount of land, water, electricity, and natural gas these facilities demand.
Farmland preservation remains a top priority for the Ohio Farm Bureau and its members. The state has lost one million acres of farmland over the past two decades, raising concerns about how quickly development is expanding. Callicoat noted, “As a state and country, we must recognize that farmland is a strategic resource and a vital part of our nation’s security. And once farmland is lost, it is likely gone forever as a productive agricultural resource.”
By supporting House Bill 646, the Ohio Farm Bureau aims to guide thoughtful, long‑term planning while ensuring that farmland, water resources, and community needs remain protected. The organization is also actively engaged in discussions about water quality related to development, including data center construction.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Education