Data Center Revolt Spreads Across Ohio
Key Questions
What is Sen. Jon Husted's bill targeting?
Husted's bill challenges federal ownership stakes in businesses, linked to the Intel plant and his re-election bid. It aims to reduce federal involvement in private sector operations.
What do recent polls show in the Ohio governor race?
A NYT poll indicates Husted leads Brown by 3 points, while Ramaswamy and Acton are tied. Other polls show Acton slightly ahead, with Democrats facing challenges among young and non-white voters.
How has Elon Musk influenced the Ohio governor race?
Musk contributed $5 million to support Ramaswamy's campaign. Ramaswamy has raised $42 million total and proposed eliminating capital gains taxes, earning an endorsement from the Ohio Chamber.
What is Amy Acton's position on trans athletes in sports?
Acton endorsed a ban on trans girls participating in girls' sports, sparking backlash within the Democratic Party. Top Ohio Democrats have retreated on trans issues, and the party forced its Progressive Caucus to delete criticism of her comments.
What is the projected ad spending in Ohio's statewide races?
A Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance is expected to increase ad spending, with projections reaching $749 million. This could flood Ohio airwaves with more political advertisements.
How much has Libertarian candidate Don Kissick raised?
Kissick has raised only $1,250 for his campaign, underscoring the financial challenges faced by third-party candidates in the race.
What is the status of Trump's approval in Ohio?
Trump's approval rating stands at 44% in Ohio according to recent polls. National analysis suggests Democrats' midterm hopes may be overstated given voter trends.
How are healthcare costs affecting Ohio's midterm elections?
Rising healthcare costs are a key issue, with many Ohioans dropping off the ACA marketplace. Candidates like Acton have proposed property tax plans to address related voter concerns.
Ohio EPA dropped plan to permit data center discharge into lakes/rivers. Acton proposes moratorium. Hamilton joins revolt. Canton zoning passed 8-3 despite opposition. Electric bills hit record highs (Cincinnati $171). New battery storage project in Licking County (Flint Grid). Enbridge seeks $163M rate hike. New: HB 983 introduced—requires local voter approval for data centers within 5 miles, pollution liability, no tax breaks, targeting $40B boom. Ramaswamy proposes plan requiring data centers to pay Ohioans' electricity bills and property tax rebates. DeWine punts data center tax break to next governor. DeWine urges local governments to be aggressive in negotiations. Candidates debated at State Fair. Data centers now a key issue in 1st Congressional District race. Energy prices and FirstEnergy scandal tie into broader backlash. New: Ohio Supreme Court allows Ashville referendum against data center project, forcing municipalities to justify emergency declarations; Trenton case also pending. New: Data center investors (BlackRock) seek to buy Ohio's public utilities (AES Ohio) for $10B, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.