Whitmer wants data center companies to pledge they'll be responsible, seeks more rules

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has outlined her stance on data center development within the state, advocating for responsible growth. She is proposing a pledge for companies to sign if they are building data centers in Michigan, which would commit them to ensuring working families do not bear the cost of development or operations, protecting natural resources, and creating local, well-paying jobs. The Governor's administration has previously welcomed data centers, and she broke ground on an OpenAI facility in Saline Township.

However, this approach faces criticism from groups like the Sierra Club of Michigan, which argues that voluntary corporate promises are an insufficient substitute for enforceable law. The Sierra Club, noting that tech companies have often fallen short on climate goals due to AI build-outs, is pushing for a moratorium on data center development in Michigan, similar to one recently enacted in New York. They seek the establishment of robust statewide rules, including large low tariffs, long-term contracts, and a requirement for additional renewable energy sources, ensuring ratepayers are not burdened with costs.

While asserting Michigan already has strong protections, Governor Whitmer also calls on the state legislature to enact specific laws. These proposed legislative actions include minimum billing demand, contract termination fees, credit and collateral requirements, and minimum contract terms for data centers. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for continued evaluation of options and challenges for responsible data center development by policymakers, recognizing data centers as essential infrastructure slated for significant investment, but did not comment on the efficacy of the non-binding pledge.