Ohio Citizen Action

06/16/2026

"the letter Latta signed takes a legitimate national security concern and deploys it as a political smoke machine — a way to recast a grassroots revolt over pocketbook issues as the handiwork of a hostile foreign power, before a single fact has been established. It asks Ohioans to believe that their own eyes, their own bills and their own neighbors are less trustworthy than a pair of reports from advocacy groups with a financial stake in the buildout."

Rep. Bob Latta is using unproven claims of Chinese influence to dismiss legitimate, homegrown concerns about data centers in Ohio rather than addressing residents' questions about rising energy costs, subsidies and local impacts.

06/15/2026

New generation takes 5+ years. Grid upgrades take time. Data center demand is here now. The gap between what's needed and what exists is why electricity costs are rising.

It isn't just the looming prospect of more data centers that has Ohioans paying more for electricity; other challenges make price increases more likely.

06/14/2026

Trump is using taxpayer money for coal to power AI. Two new coal plants: One in Alaska and one in West Virginia. Both explicitly designed to power AI data centers. Why are taxpayers funding private tech company infrastructure?

Combining funds from the Defense Production Act and 2021's infrastructure law, the $700 million pot will fund new coal plants and an export terminal.

06/13/2026

U.S. Govt says utility-scale solar generation is expected to increase 19% this summer compared with last summer, reflecting a 20% increase in capacity. Coal generation is expected to decline by 2%.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/solar-capacity-eia-outlook/822622/

06/12/2026

The proposed Voter ID amendment does not constitutionally guarantee free ID cards, despite existing state law providing for them. A future legislature could eliminate that access while the ID requirement remains constitutionally protected. Plan to VOTE NO in November. 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

"Ohio needs new leadership that will put the people and ratepayers of Ohio first, make energy efficiency and affordability part of our energy policy, provide opportunities for renewable energy, and end the practice of campaign contributions dictating energy policy."

Electric energy drives our economy. Ohio needs a balanced, energy policy that puts ratepayers first, includes low-cost renewable energy, and creates a diversified mix of generating capacity to ensure electricity

06/11/2026

Solar just hit an all-time record in the U.S. and beat coal for the first time ever. In May 2026, solar supplied 12.8% of U.S. electricity, finally overtaking coal's 12.2%. Markets are choosing solar to meet growing power needs. 🌞 https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/solar-overtakes-coal-in-us-electricity-for-the-first-month-on-record/

06/11/2026

The data center tax exemption cost Ohio $1.6 BILLION in 2025. New legislation aims to modify - though not eliminate - those breaks. The debate continues.

An effort to regulate Ohio data centers stalled after lawmakers clashed over tax breaks for companies that build them.

06/11/2026

While Ohioans struggle with rising utility bills, lawmakers focused on constitutionalizing a law that's already on the books. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/06/10/ohio-republican-lawmakers-send-constitutional-amendment-requiring-voter-photo-id-to-ballot/

06/10/2026

As Ohio attracts data centers, utilities are forecasting massive electricity demand. But what if they're wrong? 🤔 A new bill requires independent verification so consumers don't foot the bill for overblown projections.

COLUMBUS — Ohio utility forecasts would be subject to third-party verification under legislation proposed by state Sens. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D., Toledo) ...