What's being done to regulate data centers in Michigan?
News Clip2:39UpNorthLive·MI·6/22/2026
Michigan Senate Democrats have introduced a package of seven bills aimed at regulating data centers across the state. The proposed legislation focuses on environmental protection, community strengthening, and ensuring working people benefit from economic growth. Key provisions include permitting requirements for large water users, a daily water consumption cap, and preventing water infrastructure upgrade costs from being passed on to residents.
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Gov: Michigan Senate Democrats, Michigan Senate
As data centers pop up in more places across the state, many want to see rules to constrain the projects.
Now, Michigan Senate Democrats are wading in with a move to regulate facilities across the state.
Drawing from lessons learned in other states, the group of Senators say they're charting a different path with seven bills.
“We're building the economy of the future, but in a way that protects our environment, strengthens our communities, and ensures working people share in the successes," Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) said.
One bill would put in place permitting requirements for entities using 550,000 gallons of water per day, with a daily cap of 2 million gallons.
Water infrastructure upgrade costs could not be passed onto residents, as well.
"Our communities deserve protections that keep essential public resources affordable and reliable," Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) said. "Water infrastructure is a public necessity, and we must ensure that Michigan is not being exploited by private industries to help their profit margins."
DETAILS: https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/data-center-regulation-michigan-bills-legislation-package-senate-democrats-politics-government-technology-state
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