Michigan legislative candidates debate data center regulations and moratoriums
The Detroit Free Press Opinion section surveyed Michigan legislative candidates about data center development ahead of the 2026 election. Most candidates support stronger environmental, water, electricity, transparency and community-benefit rules, while some favor local or statewide moratoriums and one candidate opposes additional data centers outright.
The Detroit Free Press Editorial Board asked legislative candidates in competitive races across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties about data center development. Candidates generally agreed that Michigan needs stronger safeguards as artificial-intelligence growth drives demand for new facilities, citing concerns about water use, electricity costs, environmental protections, noise, transparency and public input.
Some candidates support local pauses on data center construction, while Sarah Pounds and Sean Carlson favor a statewide moratorium. Brownstown Township Supervisor Sherry Berecz said the township is in its second six-month moratorium period. State Sen. Kevin Hertel proposed additional requirements including community-benefit agreements, renewable power, limits on water intake, air-quality standards and protections against higher residential electricity rates. Candidate Churches expressed outright opposition to building more data centers.