Data centre expansion in US a key midterm election issue
A roughly $16 billion OpenAI data center campus is under construction near Saline, Michigan, despite opposition from residents concerned about farmland loss, noise, environmental impacts, water use, power demand and declining property values. The Saline Township Board initially rejected rezoning for the project, but the developer sued and the board later settled, allowing construction to proceed as the development becomes an issue in Michigan’s midterm election.
A roughly $16 billion data center campus being developed near Saline, Michigan, for OpenAI is expected to cover an area comparable to 10 Melbourne Cricket Grounds and employ about 4,500 people. Construction began after the Saline Township Board rejected a farmland rezoning request and the developer subsequently filed a lawsuit; the board later settled the dispute, clearing the way for the project.
Residents including Josh Learon say the development has destroyed rural views, increased truck noise and threatened property values and quality of life. Critics also cite the center’s expected electricity and water demands and environmental impacts, while supporters point to jobs, economic investment and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence. Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed joined protests, while Republican candidate Mike Rogers called for a moratorium on new data center developments; the project has become a prominent issue in Michigan’s midterm campaign.