Ohio Lawmaker's Crypto U-Turn: From Backing Industry to Warning About Data Centers

State Rep. Gary Click voted for legislation that restricts local control over large cryptocurrency-mining operations in Ohio, despite later expressing concerns about their impact on his own district.

House Bill 116, known as the 'Ohio Blockchain Basics Act,' passed the Ohio House on June 18, 2025, with a vote of 70-26. The bill defines digital asset mining businesses as those consuming more than one megawatt of electricity and prohibits local governments from adopting rules specific to cryptocurrency-mining operations.

Crypto industry proponents, including the Satoshi Action Fund and Ohio Blockchain Council, testified in support of HB 116, citing its benefits for job creation and tax revenue. Eric Peterson, policy director for the Satoshi Action Fund, acknowledged concerns about noise pollution from Bitcoin miners.

However, when data-center development became contentious in Click's own district, he introduced House Bill 646 to create a state commission studying data-center development. In sponsor testimony, Click listed various concerns, including strain on the energy grid and potential increases in electricity costs for ratepayers.