Ohio has become a key player in the nation’s race to build the infrastructure powering artificial intelligence, attracting billions of dollars in investment from technology companies building large-scale data centers. As interest spreads across southwest Ohio, local governments are taking very different approaches to prepare for potential data center proposals.

Local Approaches

Some local governments have adopted temporary moratoriums while they evaluate the long-term effects of data centers. Others have updated zoning rules to regulate development, while some have prohibited data centers altogether.

Butler County, for example, has approved a six-month pause covering unincorporated areas and the county’s six zoned townships after local officials requested more time to study the issue. Commission President T.C. Rogers said protecting the county’s aquifer remains a top priority as leaders evaluate future proposals.

Data Center Impact

Data centers are facilities filled with computer servers that store, process, and distribute digital information. They support cloud computing, websites, banking, streaming services, and increasingly, artificial intelligence. Modern data centers operate on a massive scale, using at least 100 megawatts of electricity and drawing up to 5 million gallons of water per day to cool equipment.

Technology companies say modern data centers can provide significant economic benefits while limiting impacts on local communities. Microsoft, for example, funds the infrastructure needed to support its facilities, so electricity costs are not passed on to other customers, works to minimize and replenish its water use, and creates jobs and tax revenue for host communities.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.