Whitmer pushes data center pledge — not a moratorium
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has launched a statewide pledge for data center developers, urging them to cover all energy and water costs to protect residents from rate hikes. This initiative stands in contrast to New York's recent moratorium on data center construction. While Google has signed Michigan's pledge, conservation groups in the state are critical and advocating for an enforceable moratorium.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, a set of 10 commitments aimed at ensuring data center developers bear the full costs of construction, operation, power, and water for new projects. This initiative is designed to protect Michiganders from potential rate increases due to the growing demand from artificial intelligence data centers, with Gov. Whitmer urging developers to sign the pledge and the state legislature to codify its principles into law.
Whitmer's approach contrasts sharply with that of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who recently signed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction across her state. Nationally, tensions are rising over data center development, prompting calls for safeguards against spiking utility bills, increased water use, and noise. Despite the criticisms, tech giant Google has endorsed and signed Michigan's pledge, affirming its commitment to cover its own costs and bring clean energy to support local grids. OpenAI is also involved in a significant data center campus development in Saline Township.
The Governor's pledge has drawn immediate criticism from conservation groups, including the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, who argue that voluntary pledges are insufficient. They are demanding strong, enforceable data center regulations and a temporary moratorium to ensure adequate protections for communities and the environment. Conversely, former Michigan Governor and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressed support for Whitmer's principles, noting their alignment with national discussions on ensuring new AI demand does not burden existing customers.
In addition to the pledge, Governor Whitmer has backed a package of Democratic bills in the state Legislature. These proposed laws would introduce protections such as capping water usage for data centers, requiring them to report on wastewater and pollution, and mandating community benefit agreements. State Senator Kevin Hertel, a co-sponsor of these bills, expressed confidence in gaining Republican support and dismissed the idea of a moratorium as merely delaying necessary action.