September 24, 2026
OEC Action Fund Welcomes Legislature Back to Work, Calls for Immediate Action on Data Center Regulations
For Immediate Release:
September 24, 2026
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org or 614-487-7506
OEC Action Fund Welcomes Legislature Back to Work, Calls for Immediate Action on Data Center Regulations
Columbus, Ohio — Today, the OEC Action Fund called on the Ohio General Assembly to use the announced emergency session for immediate action on data centers. If legislators cannot pass a comprehensive regulatory bill, they must use this moment to pass a conditional moratorium on data centers to stop the unregulated buildout raising costs for consumers.
Despite bipartisan support, House Bill 646—a significant step toward a statewide regulatory floor for data center development—failed to advance before the legislature recessed for summer vacation. Since the legislature recessed in June, Ohioans have continued to call for immediate containment and regulation of data centers.
HB 646 includes basic regulations tied to data center energy costs, water usage reporting, and environmental impact transparency. Ohio Municipalities and local governments have passed at least 138 moratoriums on data centers, underlining the urgent need for statewide action.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Spencer Dirrig, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“If legislators are serious about addressing the affordability crisis in Ohio, they must use this special session to rein in unregulated data center development through the passage of meaningful controls on energy consumption and water use. If a comprehensive bill cannot be advanced, the legislature has a duty to pass a conditional moratorium on data centers immediately to stop the bleeding. Inaction on this issue would represent a failure to stand up to big tech on behalf of Ohioans and will be remembered.
“The OEC Action Fund intends to take the voice of Ohioans demanding data center regulations to the Statehouse next week and will engage in robust public education regarding the action—and inaction—of the body.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.
