Where Barrett and Lawrence stand on top issues in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District
Michigan congressional candidates Tom Barrett and Will Lawrence offered competing proposals on AI data centers during a campaign Q&A. Barrett supports local control, transparency and protections for electricity customers and water resources, while Lawrence supports pausing data center construction and expanding community authority after citing a dispute in Saline.
Republican Rep. Tom Barrett and Democratic challenger Will Lawrence discussed AI data centers as part of a broader campaign questionnaire for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Barrett said data centers could create economic opportunities but argued communities need information about electricity, water and infrastructure impacts. He cited legislation intended to preserve local decision-making, prohibit nondisclosure agreements and prevent residents from unfairly absorbing costs tied to large commercial projects.
Lawrence said the experience in Saline showed the difficulty local governments face when challenging large technology developers, alleging that officials and residents were sued into submission. He called for communities to retain final authority over data center projects and proposed a congressional pause on data center construction and advanced AI development while lawmakers create national safeguards for workers, water supplies and energy costs.