Ohio has seen a sharp rise in local data center moratoriums, with over 125 municipalities and townships imposing temporary pauses on new AI and hyperscale facilities as of mid-September 2026. These actions stem from concerns over massive electricity and water demands, grid strain, and community impacts from rapid expansion tied to artificial intelligence workloads. While no statewide moratorium has passed, voters in several cities face November 2026 ballot measures on permanent bans, and a proposed constitutional amendment targeting facilities over 25 MW monthly load could reach the 2027 ballot. State lawmakers have formed study commissions but have not advanced broader restrictions, leaving outcomes dependent on local votes, utility policies, and any last-minute legislative moves before year-end.