Sunrise co-founder bets on data centers in House bid

William Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, is leveraging data center opposition as a central theme in his campaign for a Democratic primary in Michigan's Lansing-area 7th District. Despite his underdog status, Lawrence, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, is advocating for a nationwide moratorium on data center construction, highlighting concerns about increased energy bills and decreased home values.

Michigan is a significant market for data centers, with 79 facilities in operation or development across the state and 12 projects identified within the 7th District alone. Lawrence expressed that the issue, initially not on his radar, became prominent due to multiple data centers being proposed in his district. He describes data center development as an "abuse of power" against communities lacking resources to fight back, pointing to potential impacts on the electric grid and water supplies.

The race is seen as a crucial test of whether voters favor a more progressive stance on data centers and climate change within the Democratic party. Lawrence's primary opponents, Bridget Brink and Matt Maasdam, both with higher campaign funding and endorsements, have adopted more moderate positions, suggesting that decisions on data centers should remain at the local level. They have, however, voiced support for state legislative efforts to address electricity concerns and increase transparency with developers. Sunrise activists have engaged both Brink and Maasdam on the issue, but neither supports a nationwide moratorium.

Lawrence's platform also includes a continued push for Green New Deal policies, aligning him with other insurgent Democrats gaining traction this election cycle. A political science professor, Nazita Lajevardi, noted that while Lawrence's stance might appeal to the left wing of the party, it carries a risk of alienating other voters.