Data center costs, accountability, among themes of Howell town hall meeting

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside state and local officials, hosted a town hall in Howell on Monday to clarify facts and fictions surrounding data center developments. The meeting addressed numerous concerns from Howell-area residents, including the costs associated with these projects, accountability for potential budget overruns, and the risk of data breaches. Citizens also raised questions about the impact of data centers on local utility rates, with Attorney General Nessel emphasizing that residents should be informed if rates are expected to "double, triple or quadruple." The Attorney General acknowledged the principle behind data centers, noting Michigan already hosts 70, but criticized the current development process as flawed due to a lack of transparency and monitoring. She stated that some company agreements are heavily redacted, leading to distrust. While proponents highlight construction jobs and financial boosts, panel experts voiced concerns about unavoidable environmental impacts, particularly regarding energy and water consumption. The town hall concluded with discussions around the potential for legislation to foster greater trust between major data center developers and the communities where they propose projects, following a recent instance where one company withdrew its plans for a site in Howell Township due to community opposition.