Andrews hosts panel of experts at data center town hall

State Representative Joey Andrews convened a town hall meeting in Benton Township, Michigan, to address the growing AI boom and its potential impact on Southwest Michigan, specifically regarding large-scale data centers. The discussion aimed to prepare local residents for the implications of these developments within the state. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a key panelist, underscored the necessity for robust state laws and transparent contracts. She argued that these "guardrails" are crucial to prevent Michigan electric ratepayers and taxpayers from bearing the financial burden of the immense power and water consumption by data centers. Nessel also advocated for agreements requiring tech companies to remediate sites if data centers become obsolete. She emphasized that now is the opportune moment for Michigan to establish responsible policies, warning against the long-term consequences of hasty deals and a lack of oversight. She specifically called for transparent dealings between tech companies and the Michigan Public Service Commission, questioning the long-term local employment benefits beyond the construction phase. Grace Walovich, representing Google, spoke about the company's commitment to fully compensating for its power usage and investing in energy efficiency. She highlighted Google's current data center project in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, expressing enthusiasm for deeper roots in Michigan and alignment with state climate goals. Jason Piontek of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 153 also noted the economic benefits for skilled trades, citing significant employment at an AWS Data Campus in New Carlisle. Andrews compared the data center surge to a new industrial revolution, acknowledging the role of tax breaks in attracting development and the potential for increased tax bases to benefit local governments and schools. The town hall did not announce any specific data center projects for Southwest Michigan, and Andrews stated he was unaware of any currently in the works.