Nessel warns data centers could cause "economic catastrophe" in Michigan

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning that data centers could cause an "economic catastrophe" in the state, as several communities consider proposals. Nessel criticized the lack of transparency around the impact of such projects on utility rates, saying they could make it impossible for businesses and residents to afford electricity. She is calling on the Michigan Public Service Commission to not fast-track a proposed 1.4 gigawatt data center project by DTE Energy, and instead consider the proposal through a contested case process. Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson and state lawmakers from both parties attended a rally against data centers, with bipartisan support to repeal a sales tax exemption for data center equipment.