'This isn't fair' | Anti-data center protest held in Grand Rapids

About 50 individuals gathered at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a rally opposing data center developments across the state. Organized by a coalition of activist groups, including the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, the protest was one of six held statewide this weekend, drawing participants from communities in West Michigan currently considering data center proposals. The rally highlighted a range of concerns, including excessive water usage and potential contamination, noise and light pollution, increased electricity rates, and negative impacts on property values. Attendees also expressed skepticism regarding job creation promises and environmental pledges made by tech companies. Janet Zahn, co-chair of the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, emphasized the need for statewide support to protect Michigan from what she described as contamination of water, air, and soil by data centers. Linda Caltrider, a resident of Ingraham County whose family lives in Mason, a city considering a data center proposal, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of community action. The article notes that temporary moratoria have already halted projects in Dorr and Solon Townships. A bipartisan group of state legislators has also introduced a bill for a one-year statewide moratorium on data centers. Furthermore, the Gaines Township Planning Commission is scheduled to host a special meeting to discuss an application from Microsoft to purchase additional land for a data center proposal, with the meeting to be held at South Christian High School in Byron Center.