Michigan lawmakers propose data center legislation
Michigan state representatives have introduced a legislative package aimed at regulating data centers, focusing on transparency, environmental protections, and community accountability. The proposed bills would mandate energy and water use reporting, create clean energy tariffs, and require companies to fund decommissioning.
A group of Michigan Democratic state representatives, including Joey Andrews, Jason Morgan, Morgan Foreman, Carrie Rankins, and Christian Grant, have introduced a comprehensive legislative package designed to regulate data centers within the state. The proposed bills emphasize transparency, environmental protection, and community accountability, addressing concerns about the industry's impact on residents and resources.
The package includes several key measures. Three bills, still in draft form, would impose energy requirements on data centers, mandate regular reporting on their water and electricity consumption, and establish tariffs to support the deployment, research, and development of clean and renewable energy sources. Additionally, one measure aims to prevent elected officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements related to data center construction when tax incentives are part of the deal, ensuring public transparency.
The legislation also seeks to shift the financial burden of data center decommissioning from residents to the corporations themselves. State Rep. Carrie Rankins highlighted the need for companies to have a plan and allocate funds for the eventual decommissioning of these facilities. Rep. Christian Grant underscored the broader impact on residents, citing concerns about utility bills, access to clean water, and local worker opportunities.
As of the report, the legislative package has not yet passed and all bills within it remain proposed, indicating the initial stage of the legislative process.