Lake Township passes six-month moratorium on data centers
Lake Township in Michigan has enacted a six-month moratorium on data center construction and expansion. This temporary halt allows the township board to study the environmental and water supply impacts of data centers and review potential new local regulations or zoning amendments. The moratorium took effect immediately and will last until January 2027 or until new ordinances are passed.
The Lake Township Board in Michigan unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on data center construction and expansion within the township. The temporary ban, which took effect July 16, prohibits the approval of zoning permits and licenses for any new data centers or the expansion of existing ones.
During this six-month period, the township board plans to conduct a comprehensive review of whether data centers require additional local regulation. The study will specifically assess the potential impacts of modern, potentially large artificial intelligence data centers on the environment, local water supply availability and safety, and the general public welfare.
The board will also explore various regulatory options, including amending current zoning ordinances or drafting new ordinances tailored specifically to data center development. The moratorium will remain in effect until the township implements new regulations, amends its zoning laws, or reaches its expiration date in January 2027, whichever occurs first.