Texas Township adopts moratorium preventing data center developments for 12 months
Texas Township, Michigan, has enacted a temporary, 12-month moratorium on data center developments, effective July 5. This pause allows the township's planning commission to evaluate the impacts of data centers on local infrastructure, farmland, and the environment, to inform new zoning regulations. The proactive measure was adopted as the township aims to align future land uses with community vision and infrastructure capacity.
Texas Township, Michigan, has adopted a 12-month temporary moratorium on data center developments, effective July 5. According to Township Supervisor JoAnne McFarland O'Rourke, the resolution was passed during a June 22 meeting, pausing any new data center construction until new zoning regulations are officially enacted or the 12-month period concludes.
During this moratorium, the township's planning commission will assess the potential impacts of data center land use on farmland preservation, rural zoning compatibility, and infrastructure capacity, including the electrical grid and water supply. Environmental factors such as noise, heat discharge, and light pollution will also be evaluated. The township defines data centers broadly, to include facilities housing technology infrastructure for digital storage, AI, and cryptocurrency mining.
This proactive step follows two resolutions passed in April, which amended the township's zoning ordinance to grant the board the authority to establish temporary moratoria for public health, safety, and welfare. O'Rourke emphasized that the township aims to stay ahead of potential developments, as they have not yet been approached by any data center developers. This local action comes amidst broader discussions in the Michigan Legislature, where a package of bills is moving forward to introduce statewide regulations on data centers, addressing issues like water usage, clean energy requirements, and financial collateral for facility closures.