Michigan Debates Local Data Center Control

Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates are debating how much authority local governments should have over data center siting and operations, with particular attention to electricity costs, water use, pollution, and farmland conversion.

John James has supported local control and a moratorium until safeguards are established, but his prior votes for a proposed federal restriction on state and local AI regulation have drawn criticism. The debate is unfolding as Michigan reports about 18 planned or under-construction facilities, including a Saline Township project that could eventually require 1.4 gigawatts.