A ‘sleeping giant’ in Michigan politics: Data centers

Michigan is facing a growing backlash over the development of massive data centers in the state. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has supported the projects, touting them as economic opportunities, but residents and officials like Attorney General Dana Nessel have raised concerns about the impact on electricity prices, the environment, and local communities. The fight has become a "sleeping giant" in the state's politics, with gubernatorial candidates likely to face questions about their stance on data center development and how to balance economic growth with environmental and consumer protections. While some business groups and unions support the projects, grassroots opposition is mounting, with protests and legal battles erupting across Michigan.