“I’m so proud that we stood up”: Upper Peninsula tribe halts data center plans after community pushback

Members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan's Upper Peninsula successfully pushed tribal leadership to enact an indefinite moratorium on data center development on tribal land. Concerns arose after community members learned that "billionaire-owned tech companies" were considering building facilities on reservation land, where tribal sovereignty could bypass some state regulations. Tribal economic advisor David Lockhart and other residents mobilized after learning about a closed-door strategic meeting on data center development. During a public comment session, dozens of members demanded a moratorium, citing worries about energy consumption, land development, noise, and long-term community impacts. Monica Cady, an herbalist, also expressed concerns about potential harm to the Sault Ste. Marie watershed and the Great Lakes, drawing parallels to the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline issue. On April 7, following extensive community feedback, tribal leadership unanimously voted to approve an indefinite moratorium prohibiting data center development. This action reflects a growing trend in Michigan, where communities are resisting data center projects; for instance, in Lansing, public opposition also halted plans by UK-based company Deep Green for a 25,000-square-foot facility. Lockhart emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance from all Michiganders regarding global tech companies eyeing properties for data center construction.