AI Data Center Controversy
Paul Gigot, Kim Strassel, Allyssia Finley, and Jason Riley discussed the increasing opposition from progressives against AI data centers. Concerns include environmental impact, rising electricity costs, and job displacement threats. Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have proposed legislation for a national moratorium on new data center construction.
The panel highlighted disputes over economic effects and questioned the evidence linking data centers directly to increased energy expenses.
Sherrod Brown’s Reversal
Former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio once supported data center expansion. In 2015, he praised the construction of a third data center in Central Ohio, emphasizing the positive impact on business and community life.
“Amazon’s growth in central Ohio signals that this region is not only a great place to do business, but a place where people want to live and raise a family,” Brown said.
Currently, Brown argues against data centers, labeling Ohio’s 226 data centers as burdens on state resources. This shift shows a broader Democratic move toward affordability concerns.
Political Battle
Brown, defeated in the 2024 Senate race, is now challenging Sen. Jon Husted for Ohio’s other Senate seat. Husted was appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine after Sen. J.D. Vance became Vice President under Donald Trump.
In the 2026 midterms, Democrats, including Brown, criticize Trump for unmet promises to lower costs of essentials like food and housing. Some Democrats blame data centers for high community utility costs, advocating for their corporate accountability.
Legislation and Incentives
Brown supports legislation that requires data centers to cover their electricity costs. Ohio’s incentives for data center construction, established in 2013, include tax exemptions for significant investment in data center equipment.
These incentives attracted investment yet cost Ohio $1.6 billion in 2025, per the Ohio 2026-2027 Tax Expenditure Report. Brown’s position on further legislation to control data center growth remains uncertain, though he noted job creation benefits.
Fox News Digital sought comments from Brown’s office about his position on data center expansion, but they did not respond.
Heading into the November 3 general election, Democrats have nominated Brown to challenge Husted. Leo Briceno, a Fox News Digital congressional politics reporter, provided insight into this developing story.
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