Data Center Construction Sparks Controversy in Alabama and Ohio
The rapid expansion of data centers raises concerns over economic impact and energy consumption. Local opposition is forming in Ohio against large data centers, highlighting potential environmental and community issues.

Data center construction is accelerating, particularly in Alabama, with increasing scrutiny over their economic and environmental impact. Planned data centers in rural areas face opposition questioning their benefits versus costs, including energy consumption and community effects.
In Ohio, a grassroots initiative is underway to ban data centers over 25 megawatts, driven by concerns about local property values and environmental consequences. Projections suggest U.S. data centers will consume 6.7% to 12% of total electricity by 2028, up from 4.4% in 2023.
The largest data center, expected in Piketon, Ohio, will have a capacity of 10 gigawatts. There is a pressing need for comprehensive studies on data centers’ effects on communities.




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