Data centre boom sparks backlash in Michigan ahead of midterms
A massive OpenAI data center is under construction near Saline, Michigan, despite local opposition over farmland loss, noise, environmental impacts, water and electricity use, and declining property values. The township board initially rejected rezoning, but the developer sued and the board later settled, allowing the project to proceed; the development has become a major issue in Michigan’s midterm election campaign.
A roughly $16 billion data center intended for OpenAI is being built near Saline, Michigan, on farmland equivalent in size to about 10 Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Residents including Josh Learon say the project has damaged the rural landscape, reduced quality of life and property values, and brought persistent construction noise. Critics also question its environmental effects and substantial demand for electricity and water.
The local township board initially voted against rezoning the farmland, but the developer sued and the board ultimately settled, clearing the way for construction. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promoted the site as a potential source of jobs and technological breakthroughs, while Michigan’s Democratic governor backed the project as having appropriate safeguards. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for a moratorium on new data center developments, while Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has criticized the project and his opponent’s position. Residents interviewed said both candidates were responding too late and that they want protection for their homes and community rather than financial compensation.