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Nothing else in life matters if we destroy the planet that sustains humanity. We are behaving like a parasite on this planet, and it is trying to self-correct. While this is a matter that has to be dealt with on a global level, we as humans, who value clean air and water, have to protect it on a local and state level. THAT is within our control.
Data Centers
A major environmental threat facing Ohio is the continued push for more data centers. These facilities introduce pollution into the environment in the form of wastewater, emissions, light, and sound. In addition to the harmful outputs, these facilities also consume a large amount of water resources. Data centers also consume a very large amount of electricity. Ohio already consumes more energy than it produces, partially due to the 200+ data centers that already exist in the state. We need a state moratorium on data centers, and laws that benefit Ohioans by requiring big tech to make major infrastructure investments and implement the most advanced technology to reduce environmental damage.
Fracking Our State Parks and Public Lands
Since 2011, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been allowed to grant the oil and gas industry leases for public land. In 2023, the legislature passed a bill that “requires oil and gas leasing on state owned land.” In addition, the bill removed the ability of the state to deny leases to these companies, required no public notification, and redefined methane gas as “green energy.” (Source)
This law allows for horizontal drilling into state parks, but not drilling within the state parks.
This was not enough for the Republicans in the Ohio legislature who have introduced additional related bills. These would fast-track permissions to frack in the state, allow fracking inside state parks and on public land (not just lateral drilling underground). This legislation basically puts handcuffs on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources by forcing expedited reviews and impeding its ability to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their impacts on the environment and human health.
Revise the law governing oil and gas wells (SB 219)
NOT Co-Sponsored by Tim Barhorst (current District 85 Rep). In House Committee. Next step is signed by the Governor.
“to make changes to the law governing oil and gas wells and to address federal mineral royalty payments.”
Another bill currently in the legislature seeks to do the exact opposite. Instead of requiring oil and gas leases on public lands, this bill will stop it. I fully support this effort.
Prohibit oil and gas removal from under Lake Erie or a state park (SB 399)
NOT Co-Sponsored by Tim Barhorst. In House Committee.
“to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under Lake Erie or a state park.”
H2Ohio
H2Ohio is a program designed by Governor DeWine and supported by Ohio farmers. It aims to protect our freshwater resources, in part, by paying farmers to reduce the use of chemicals that feed harmful algae blooms. This has been beneficial to Ohio waterways including Indian Lake. It has also improved the conditions in Lake Erie. The Ohio legislature cut program funding from “$270 million to around $165 million.” in the FY2026/2027 budget. (Source) This will impact regulations on data center waste being discharged into our waterways. If not very carefully handled, the wastewater from data centers will be detrimental to the natural balance in our waterways due to the increased temperature of the water.
Clean Air Act Plan
Reporting from the Ohio Capital Journal explains that air nuisance rules in the state’s Clean Air Act Plan, dating back more than 50 years, have been changed so that people can no longer take legal action against companies whose emissions “endanger health, safety, or welfare of the public.” (Source) This directly impacts the right of Ohioans to stand up against harmful air emissions and to hold the polluters accountable for the impacts from data centers and fracking.
Why the Money in Politics Matters
Today, big tech companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Palantir are cutting deals with local officials and requiring that they sign non-disclosure agreements in order to keep the public out of the conversation until it is too late. That is exactly what happened in Shelby County. In Champaign County, the residents were aware of the situation in time to persuade local officials to place a moratorium on the data center deal there.
In addition to big tech, the oil and gas industry dumps a ton of money into electing officials that will further their endeavors, minimize regulations, redefine clean energy, and reduce public transparency.
When elected to represent you in Ohio’s District 85,, I will stand up for Ohioan’s right to clean air and water. Let’s protect the basic human essentials.