Township OK’s temporary data center moratorium

Brandon Township, Michigan, has unanimously enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development, following a vote by its board of trustees. The decision was prompted by a recommendation from the planning commission, which identified a critical gap in the township's current zoning ordinance regarding the definition and regulation of data centers. Township supervisor Jayson Rumball stated that the moratorium is necessary to provide the planning commission sufficient time to develop appropriate ordinances. Trustee and planning commission member Steve Unruh articulated concerns about the potential impacts of data centers, including significant noise, high electricity consumption that could strain Michigan's power grid, and the low number of jobs typically created by these facilities. This local initiative mirrors broader state-level legislative efforts in Michigan. House Bills 5594, 5595, and 5596, collectively known as the Data Center Regulation Act, were introduced in February. These bills propose a halt on permits for data centers from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and local governments, and would prevent the Michigan Public Service Commission from advancing data center projects until April 1, 2027. The state bills have been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations.