Two in three Michigan residents oppose data centers, IPPSR poll finds
A new poll from Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research indicates that two in three Michigan residents oppose data center construction in their communities. This opposition is driven by concerns over environmental impact, economic effects, and potential increases in home energy costs. The poll highlights a bipartisan sentiment against data center development across the state.
A recent poll conducted by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University reveals that a significant majority of Michigan residents, two out of three, oppose the construction of data centers in their local communities. The survey found that 52% of respondents strongly oppose such developments, with an additional 18% expressing somewhat opposed views.
Opposition to data centers in Michigan is bipartisan, although it is stronger among Democrats and independents. Specifically, 76% of Democrats and 58% of Republicans expressed at least some level of opposition to data center projects in their areas.
The primary reasons cited for this widespread opposition include perceived negative impacts on the environment, concerns about the economy, and the expectation that data centers will increase home energy costs. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe data centers are at least somewhat detrimental to the environment, and over half view them as bad for the economy. More than 75% anticipate an increase in home energy expenses due to data center operations. These findings align with a warning from the U.S. Department of Energy that data centers could threaten water supplies in Great Lakes states like Michigan.