Michigan Data Centers Face No State Regulations, Groups Say
Environmental groups in Michigan are advocating for comprehensive state-level regulations for data centers, citing concerns about water use, pollution, and noise. They are pushing lawmakers to enact safeguards, including a proposed moratorium on new data center development. Current state rules for water withdrawals and utility tariffs are deemed insufficient by these groups.
Environmental groups in Michigan are urgently calling on state lawmakers to establish comprehensive safeguards for data centers, arguing that the industry's growth is outpacing the existing regulatory framework. At the Capitol, a coalition including Sierra Club Michigan, Clean Water Action, Michigan Climate Action Network, and Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition highlighted concerns about water usage, pollution from diesel generators and gas plants, and noise impacts on nearby communities.
Marta Johnson, an organizer for Sierra Club Michigan, emphasized the need for lawmakers to move from discussion to concrete action. Chris Gilmer-Hill of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition noted varied reactions from legislators but sensed growing support for a moratorium on data center development.
While Michigan has general rules for large water withdrawals enforced by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), these are not specific to data centers and do not constitute comprehensive safeguards. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) also approved terms in November 2025 requiring data centers to sign long-term power contracts and cover grid infrastructure costs, but this addresses electricity service rather than broader environmental impacts. A local example in Saline Township illustrates limited, localized responses, such as planning for stormwater management and monitoring.
The push in Lansing includes separate bills introduced by Senator Jim Runestad and Representative Jennifer Wortz to halt data center development until April 1, 2027. Additionally, Representatives Erin Byrnes, Jim DeSana, and Dylan Wegela have introduced bills to repeal data center tax exemptions. None of these legislative proposals have been enacted, leaving advocates to continue their call for statewide protections.