In Ohio, data centers are stepping up their lobbying and public relations efforts as they face growing political and public scrutiny. The Data Center Coalition, a trade association, along with individual members, has hired at least 51 lobbyists, according to state lobbying disclosures. Major players like Google and Meta have registered 19 and 14 lobbyists, respectively.

Lobbying Efforts Intensify

Other developers such as QTS, CyrusOne, and Vantage have also engaged their own lobbyists. The national arm of the Data Center Coalition has established a nonprofit called Connected Ohio, which has spent over $10,000 on Facebook ads since late May. These ads emphasize the role of data centers in supporting jobs and generating tax revenue for local services.

Josh Levi, president of the Data Center Coalition, stated that Connected Ohio aims to educate Ohioans about the benefits data centers provide to local communities. The organization does not endorse political candidates or participate in campaigns.

Political and Public Scrutiny

The increased lobbying comes as tax breaks for the data center industry have come under political scrutiny. The Ohio Department of Taxation recently released data showing that a sales tax exemption for data centers cost the state $1.6 billion in 2025, far exceeding initial forecasts. In response, Governor Mike DeWine has temporarily paused the issuance of new tax credits until a newly formed Select Committee on Data Centers issues its report.

Numerous lobbying firms have registered on behalf of the data center industry in Columbus. The Data Center Coalition has hired attorneys from Dickinson Wright, a Columbus law firm, and at least 19 other law firms and lobby shops have registered to represent data center builders. Some of these firms have hired individuals with political connections, such as Michael Hall, former chief of staff to Governor DeWine, and Spencer Gross, whose former partner is now chief of staff to House Speaker Matt Huffman.

Significant Investments in Ohio

The lobbying efforts reflect the significant investments data centers have made in Ohio. Google has invested over $20 billion in the state, while Amazon expects its investments to reach $23 billion by 2030. Cologix, which recently received a new tax break, has pledged over $7 billion.

These moves are part of a well-established political strategy employed by seasoned statehouse professionals, highlighting the data centers’ commitment to maintaining their operations and benefits in Ohio.

Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.