Data Centers & Energy Policy: Where the Candidates for Governor Stand
A comparison of Dr. Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy on data center costs, ratepayer protections, transparency, environmental and labor standards
08/04/2026, by Terra Goodnight
Innovation Ohio’s new report examines on-the-record commitments from both candidates on key policies related to data center development including energy generation, ratepayer protections, tax breaks, regulatory oversight, local control, environmental protections, community benefits and labor standards. The policy comparison reflects public statements available as of July 27, 2026.
Key findings:
Dr. Amy Acton’s conditional moratorium includes worker, consumer and environmental safeguards. Her proposals would bring down our electric bills, protect our air and water, and ensure we can hold big tech corporations accountable.
Vivek Ramaswamy makes money off nearly every data center that is build in Ohio. He’s also deeply invested in the fossil fuel companies he wants to power them. Ramaswamy opposes a data center moratorium and has only made a few vague statements about how he’d protect Ohioans.
Ohioans want a governor who won’t allow data centers to steamroll our communities. Ramaswamy offers little more than vague assurances. Amy Acton’s moratorium, on the other hand, includes concrete ways she’d look out for Ohioans, not big tech corporations.