Delta County Planning Commission approves data center moratorium
The Delta County Planning Commission approved a 12-month moratorium on data center and cryptocurrency mining construction. This pause will allow the commission to develop ordinances addressing community concerns about infrastructure demands, natural resources, and economic impacts. Residents expressed opposition to data center development in the county.
The Delta County Planning Commission in Michigan unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data center and cryptocurrency mining construction following a meeting on Monday evening. This decision allows the commission to develop new ordinances addressing community concerns regarding these evolving technologies and their potential positive and negative impacts.
Resident Stephanie Sampson, who attended the meeting with her infant daughter, voiced strong opposition, stating that she does not want a data center in the county and believes there are alternative ways to bring revenue. She also expressed concern about the potential permanence of data centers once constructed.
Commissioners acknowledged public feedback and stated they welcome continued input over the next year. Key concerns raised by the commission included demands on electrical infrastructure, impacts on natural resources, and potential negative effects on the area's tourism-based economy. Ryan Carrig, Community Planner for the Central Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD), presented a Master Plan update and discussed future land use and zoning ordinance considerations. The commission's decision will now be forwarded to the county board for further action.