Concerns at data center town hall include lack of transparency, stress on energy grid

Hundreds of residents, state officials, and experts gathered in Howell, Michigan, for a "Demystifying Data Centers" town hall hosted by 48th District State Rep. Jennifer Conlin and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The event addressed community concerns regarding a proposed 1,000-acre data center in Howell Township, which, if built, would become the county's largest taxpayer with a $1 billion initial investment. The discussions covered a range of issues, including transparency, rising electricity costs, potential strain on the area's water supply, and light and sound pollution. The timing of the town hall was critical, as a six-month data center moratorium adopted by Howell Township is nearing its expiration. Additionally, State Representatives Conlin and Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, discussed new state legislation, House Bills 5594 and 5596, known as the "Data Center Regulation Act," which propose a statewide moratorium on new data center construction until April 1, 2027, to allow for further study of environmental and energy impacts. Attorney General Nessel emphasized the need for due diligence, warning against blindly trusting companies' promises of tax revenue. Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer for the Michigan Environmental Council, presented data on data centers' significant electricity and water consumption, highlighting that a single large data center can use as much power as 80,000 homes. Concerns were also raised about the heat island effect and lack of statewide requirements for water conservation measures. Attendees called for greater transparency, stronger safeguards, and clearer contractual rules from companies like DTE, which has applied for special contracts related to the development.