John James on Iran war, data centers after Michigan gubernatorial debate
Republican gubernatorial candidate John James said Michigan should halt new data centers until the state develops a plan to protect communities, water supplies and farmland. He called for local control and warned that data center growth could increase pollution and electricity bills, while also criticizing an alleged financial connection involving Democratic candidate Jocelyn Benson's husband and a Saline data center application.
After a Michigan gubernatorial debate, Republican U.S. Rep. John James said a governor should facilitate local decision-making rather than impose policy from Lansing. He proposed no new data centers until protections are established for communities, water resources, farmland and electricity customers, with local governments leading decisions.
James also accused the husband of Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson of hand-delivering an application for a Saline data center and receiving a six-figure payment. Benson has denied that her family profited from data centers. The video does not identify the company behind the Saline project or describe a formal state action.