Widespread local moratoriums across more than 130 Ohio municipalities and townships, many enacted or extended in September 2026, reflect resident pushback against hyperscale data centers powering artificial intelligence training and cloud computing. These facilities' massive electricity demands, water use for cooling, and noise have prompted counties like Warren and Fayette to pause approvals pending environmental studies and zoning updates, with public polls showing 78% support for temporary halts. While no statewide moratorium has advanced through the legislature, gubernatorial candidates have endorsed restrictions, and November ballot measures in multiple jurisdictions could solidify limits; a broader 2027 constitutional initiative targeting centers over 25 MW remains in play amid PJM grid concerns over surging AI-driven load.