Widespread local opposition to surging data center development—driven by high electricity and water demands from AI and cloud infrastructure—has fueled over 149 municipal and township moratoria across Ohio as of late October 2026. Recent catalysts include the Ohio Supreme Court’s October 20 ruling upholding Lordstown’s moratorium against a pre-ban site plan, Cleveland’s extension of its pause through January 2027, and November 3 ballot measures in at least 11 communities seeking permanent bans on facilities exceeding 25 MW. A new state bill introduced October 21 would halve tax incentives, impose water reporting, and limit property abatements, while a grassroots constitutional amendment effort targets a 2027 statewide vote after missing the 2026 ballot. Trader sentiment reflects strong public support for pauses (78% in recent polling) amid stalled broader legislation and ongoing local zoning actions.