In Senate race, Mallory McMorrow pitches plan to do data centers ‘right’

Democratic US Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow introduced a policy plan aimed at establishing stricter regulations for data center developments in Michigan. Key aspects of her proposal include a ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) between local governments and technology companies, a requirement for developers to fund associated infrastructure and power generation costs, and a mandate for data centers to source at least 90% of their electricity from renewable sources and utilize local union labor. This initiative follows her previous vote in late 2024 for tax breaks designed to attract data centers to the state, a law that allows developers to avoid sales and use taxes until at least 2050 if they meet investment and employment criteria. McMorrow's announcement makes her the second major Democratic candidate in Michigan's US Senate primary to present a comprehensive data center policy. Fellow candidate Abdul El-Sayed previously outlined "terms of engagement" that focus on binding agreements for stable electric rates, guaranteed energy reliability, closed-loop cooling systems to minimize water strain, and adherence to clean energy laws. US Rep. Haley Stevens, another contender, emphasized preventing cost increases for Michigan families and protecting union jobs, advocating for a clear policy framework. The debate occurs amidst growing concerns among Michigan communities, with at least 19 localities proposing or enacting moratoriums on new data centers to assess their impact. Tech giants like Microsoft have reportedly sought NDAs for potential developments, a practice McMorrow specifically seeks to abolish. National figures like Senator Bernie Sanders have called for a national data center moratorium, though Michigan's leading candidates have not gone that far. The broader political discourse, including former President Donald Trump's AI policy framework endorsed by Republican candidate Mike Rogers, also touches on preventing electricity cost increases and streamlining permitting for AI infrastructure, highlighting the widespread political attention on data center development.