Ohio residents rally against Jon Husted over data center expansion

Residents and local officials in Ironton, Ohio, held a rally to protest the expansion of data centers in the state, targeting U.S. Senator Jon Husted for his support of the industry.

Critics, including Ironton City Council member Jacob Hock, argue that state leadership has provided tax abatements to major tech companies while leaving local communities to bear the costs of increased electricity rates and environmental impacts. Protesters expressed concern over rising utility bills, noting that summer electricity costs are projected to exceed $800.

Specific grievances were raised regarding the Strata Expanse AI Center of Excellence in the Hanging Rock area, where residents claimed they were not consulted before construction began. In response to these developments, the Ironton City Council passed a moratorium on the construction of data centers within city limits. While Husted supports the Ratepayer Protection Act as a means to maintain global competitiveness and protect consumers, opponents argue the legislation fails to hold big tech companies accountable for their impact on utility rates and water usage.