‘Erosion of trust’: Michigan legislators push back on flood of data center proposals

Michigan lawmakers are introducing a flurry of data center legislation in response to a proliferation of data center proposals in the state, particularly in Washtenaw County. The bills aim to address concerns over the potential impact on drinking water, energy reliability and affordability, as well as allegations of secretive dealmaking between officials and tech companies. Some legislators are pushing back on the use of non-disclosure agreements that have eroded public trust. The Michigan Public Service Commission recently approved DTE Energy contracts for a $7 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center project in Saline Township, denying ratepayer and environmental advocates a chance to weigh in through a formal regulatory process.