Local Michigan officials wary of data centers, University of Michigan survey finds
A University of Michigan survey found that Michigan local government officials are more likely to oppose than support large-scale data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity costs and broader environmental and economic effects. The article also reports that cities including Northville, Wixom and Gibraltar have enacted or proposed moratoriums, with developers suing Wixom and Gibraltar over their pauses.
A University of Michigan survey of local government leaders found that 46% believe the costs of large-scale data centers outweigh their benefits, compared with 18% who see more benefits than drawbacks. Sixty percent said data centers could negatively affect Michigan’s freshwater supply, while a majority expressed concern about impacts on utility bills. Officials also cited potential benefits including construction jobs, property tax revenue and economic competitiveness.
Michigan has 79 proposed, permitted or operating data centers across 12 cities, primarily in Detroit and southeast Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has opposed a statewide moratorium while advocating environmental and consumer safeguards, but local governments have adopted or considered temporary pauses to review zoning rules. Northville approved a 12-month moratorium, while Wixom and Gibraltar have faced lawsuits from developers challenging their moratoriums.