Environmentalists renew call for action on data center regulations in Michigan
Michigan environmental groups are urging state lawmakers to enact a moratorium on new data center projects due to concerns about water and energy consumption. They are also pressing for movement on stalled legislation to further regulate the industry, despite some lawmakers' reservations about a moratorium. Lawmakers have introduced bills, but they are currently stalled in committee.
Environmental groups across Michigan are renewing their efforts to push for a moratorium on new data center developments, citing growing concerns over the industry's significant water and energy consumption. A coalition of advocates, including representatives from Voters Not Politicians and the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, gathered in Lansing to appeal to state lawmakers and reporters.
Kendell Joseph, a software engineer and member of Voters Not Politicians, emphasized that the environmental and community impacts of "hyperscale data centers" necessitate a broad, interdisciplinary discussion. Marta Johnson, a legislative and political organizer for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, expressed frustration with the lack of progress on bills introduced in both chambers of the state Legislature aimed at regulating data centers, stating a desire for legislative hearings to engage in the process.
Despite bipartisan calls for stronger data center policies, proposed legislation, including a package sponsored by House Democrats, remains stalled in committee. State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), a sponsor of new regulations, acknowledged the advocates' frustration but voiced concerns that a moratorium could send a negative message to businesses, potentially hindering economic growth in Michigan. He suggested that "guardrail bills" could be passed early next year.