Local governments across Ohio have rapidly imposed over 130 active moratoriums on hyperscale data centers as of mid-September 2026, driven by resident concerns over electricity demand, water consumption, noise, and infrastructure strain from AI and cloud computing facilities. Public polling shows strong backing for pauses, with gubernatorial and U.S. Senate candidates across parties advocating restrictions, while recent county actions in Warren and Fayette added temporary halts pending environmental studies. State lawmakers have not advanced a statewide measure, with some energy bills instead favoring data center growth, though November 3 ballot measures and Ohio Supreme Court rulings bolstering local referendums could intensify pressure. PJM Interconnection’s delayed procurement efforts highlight grid reliability risks tied to unchecked expansion.