Widespread local opposition has fueled trader focus on a potential statewide Ohio data center moratorium, with at least 138 municipalities and townships maintaining active pauses as of mid-September 2026 and 23 communities enacting effective bans. Public sentiment runs strongly against hyperscale facilities—78% of Ohioans back temporary halts per recent polling—driven by concerns over electricity demand, water use, noise, and tax incentives tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth. Governor Mike DeWine’s suspension of new tax exemptions and candidates across parties calling for restrictions have amplified momentum, though the Republican-led legislature has yet to advance broader reforms. November 3 ballot measures in multiple jurisdictions and pending environmental studies could further shape state-level action before year-end.