Stephanie Stock: Bringing Accountability to Data Center Expansion in Ohio

Stephanie Stock recognizes that data centers are part of today’s digital infrastructure. From cloud storage to artificial intelligence, modern technology depends on these facilities. She does not deny their role in economic development or technological advancement.

But she does believe Ohio communities deserve greater accountability, transparency, and local input before large-scale data center construction moves forward.

Across the state, residents have raised serious concerns about how these projects are being approved — often with limited community buy-in and long-term impacts that are not fully understood at the time of approval.

Stephanie believes economic growth should never come at the expense of local communities.

Strain on Utilities & Infrastructure

One of the most pressing concerns surrounding data centers is their enormous demand for electricity.

These facilities consume massive amounts of power — sometimes equivalent to that of small cities. Residents worry about strain on the electric grid, particularly as Ohio communities already face rising energy costs.

In some areas, utilities are building new substations or expanding generation capacity primarily to serve data centers. Stephanie believes Ohioans deserve transparency about who bears those costs. Homeowners and small businesses should not see their utility rates increase to subsidize corporate infrastructure.

Communities should have clear answers about long-term grid reliability and the impact on residential ratepayers before projects are approved.

Water Usage and Sustainability

Many data centers rely on large volumes of water for cooling systems. Even in water-rich regions, long-term sustainability is a valid concern.

Residents want to know:

• How much water will be consumed?

• How will it affect local aquifers?

• What safeguards are in place during drought conditions?

Stephanie believes these questions deserve serious, data-driven answers before construction begins — not after.

Responsible development must account for long-term environmental stewardship.

Land Use and Community Character

Data centers require substantial physical footprints. They are often constructed on farmland or near residential neighborhoods, permanently altering land use patterns.

Once developed, that land is effectively locked into industrial use.

Residents frequently describe these facilities as large, windowless concrete buildings — low-traffic but high-impact structures that do not align with the character of surrounding communities.

Stephanie believes local zoning decisions should prioritize the long-term vision of residents — not just short-term economic incentives. Communities deserve meaningful participation in determining how their land is used.

Environmental and Health Impacts

Even when data centers comply with existing regulations, neighbors have raised concerns about their environmental impact.

These include:

• Diesel backup generators and associated emissions

• Constant low-frequency noise from cooling systems

• Heat discharge

• The broader carbon footprint tied to high energy consumption

While each factor may meet regulatory standards individually, cumulative effects matter to nearby residents.

Stephanie believes environmental impact assessments must be thorough, transparent, and responsive to community feedback.

Tax Incentives and Public Subsidies

Another major concern involves tax abatements and incentives offered to attract large technology companies.

Opponents argue that:

• Major corporations receive substantial property tax abatements.

• Infrastructure costs may be shifted to local taxpayers.

• School districts could lose critical funding.

• Communities may bear long-term costs while corporations receive short-term benefits.

In some Ohio districts, tax incentives tied to data centers have already sparked controversy.

Stephanie believes communities deserve full transparency about the true cost-benefit analysis of these deals. Economic development should not mean transferring risk to local taxpayers.

A Call for Local Accountability

Stephanie Stock is not calling for a blanket ban on data centers. She is calling for accountability.

She believes:

• Local communities should have meaningful input before approvals.

• Infrastructure costs must be clearly disclosed.

• Environmental and health impacts must be carefully evaluated.

• Tax incentive agreements must be transparent and fiscally responsible.

Economic development and community protection do not have to be mutually exclusive — but they must be balanced.

Putting Communities First

At its core, this issue is about local control.

Stephanie believes communities — not distant decision-makers — are best positioned to determine whether large industrial facilities align with their long-term goals.

As she campaigns for Ohio House District 31, Stephanie is committed to ensuring that data center expansion in Ohio is guided by transparency, accountability, and genuine community buy-in.

Technology may be the future — but communities are the foundation.

And Stephanie Stock believes Ohio must protect both.