Michigan governor’s race: Q & A with Jocelyn Benson
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson said she would end tax breaks for data centers and impose a moratorium until enforceable safeguards are established. She also said data centers should create well-paying union jobs, pay their full energy costs, avoid raising utility bills, and not overuse water.
In a questionnaire for Up North Voice, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson outlined a restrictive approach to data center development. She said residents should not bear the costs of data center operations and proposed ending tax incentives for the facilities while placing a moratorium on new projects until strict, enforceable guardrails are adopted.
Benson said projects should proceed only if they provide well-paying union jobs, do not increase utility bills, and avoid excessive water use. She also proposed requiring data centers to pay the full cost of their energy consumption and said local governments should have a meaningful role in decisions involving large developments.