Weekly Data Center Watch: Ypsilanti Township Residents Challenge U-M
Ypsilanti Township residents actively opposed the University of Michigan's proposed computing center, citing concerns about water, noise, and nuclear research. Concurrently, Saline Township initiated an independent noise review for a data center under construction by Oracle and OpenAI. Statewide, there's growing political pressure for increased regulation, transparency regarding tax incentives, and potential moratoriums on data center development in Michigan.
Ypsilanti Township residents recently confronted University of Michigan officials, voicing strong opposition to the proposed $1.2 billion research computing center. During a Sept. 9 town hall, nearly 50 residents raised concerns about water usage, noise pollution, environmental impacts, security, and the center's potential involvement in nuclear weapons research. Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo accused the university of misrepresenting the project's primary focus, an allegation denied by project lead Steven Ceccio.
The University of Michigan stated the center is still in the design phase, with water needs and noise levels yet to be determined, though they committed to no discharge into the Huron River. Los Alamos National Laboratory, a partner in the project, clarified that no weapons or hazardous materials would be produced or stored, despite the center's classified computing work supporting nuclear modernization. Residents demanded that the U-M Board of Regents, the ultimate authority, attend the next town hall scheduled for Oct. 1.
Separately, Saline Township commissioned acoustic engineer Darren Brown to conduct an independent noise review of the Oracle and OpenAI data center currently under construction. This review will compare the project's noise study against the requirements of its consent judgment. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is also expected to hold a public hearing on the project's proposed wastewater discharge permit following over 200 public comments.
Statewide, Michigan officials announced they would not disclose companies applying for new data center sales and use tax exemptions, citing confidentiality, which has drawn criticism from lawmakers like Rep. Joey Andrews, who plans legislation for disclosure, and Sen. Jim Runestad, who advocates for repealing the incentives. Both major-party gubernatorial candidates, Jocelyn Benson and John James, have called for pauses on new data center development until stricter protections are in place for communities, water supplies, electricity customers, and the environment. A recent poll indicated 62% of likely Michigan voters oppose data center development.