Several data center projects are looking to Michigan and the tax credits the state offers.
Opponents, like Republican state Senator Jim Runestad, say Michigan needs to stop approving new projects long enough for policymakers to discuss environmental and economic concerns.
“Have committee hearings, have discussions about what is the impact on noise, on water, on energy, on rates.”
But Democratic state Representative Joey Andrews says the state already has strong regulations for data centers—including around water and electric usage.
“I think we could do more, absolutely. But it should be about guardrails and figuring out how we make these projects work in Michigan and how we make citizens and communities feel confident.”
Legislative leadership has signaled more desire to regulate rather than pause data centers