Whitmer unveils data center accountability plan; leaders ask if it's enough

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, a statewide initiative designed to ensure that data center companies bear the full costs of their construction and operations, particularly concerning power and water usage, rather than burdening Michigan residents. The plan encourages lawmakers to codify existing state regulatory rules into law and includes a voluntary pledge for companies to adhere to.

The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Tim Minotas, legislative and political director of the Michigan Sierra Club, expressed skepticism, stating that taking companies at their word is not sound policy and that enforceable standards are necessary, citing past instances of tech companies falling short on climate pledges. Conversely, Lansing Mayor Andy Shore's office acknowledged the plan as a "good step in the right direction," noting that many of its guidelines were already part of negotiations for a previous data center project. Mayor Shore mentioned that the Lansing City Council is actively developing city ordinances to implement similar guidelines.

Deep Green, a UK company, previously withdrew its data center plan from Lansing in April following significant resident opposition. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, represented by Steve Japinga, supports the plan's goals but advocates for more defined standards, highlighting that Michigan struggles to attract similar investments compared to neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana due to approval speed. Both the Public Service Commission and state lawmakers declined to comment by the reporting deadline.