Ironton City Council moves to keep AI data centers out

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – Ironton City Council held a meeting on Thursday night to take preventative steps to keep AI data centers from setting up shop within city limits.

We spoke with City Council Member Jacob Hock, who said he has concerns on several fronts. That’s why he brought up an emergency vote to establish a temporary ban on the development of these facilities.

“I wish there were more people in leadership roles that would state their opinion on this,” Hock said. “In my view, it’s not just about data centers but the future of Lawrence County.”

Thursday night was the first reading on the measure. It ended up passing and will now go to a second reading at the next council meeting.

If it passes, the ban will be in effect for up to a year.