Pontiac's data center moratorium expires in January, and the city is racing to set rules
Pontiac's data center moratorium is set to expire in January, prompting city leaders to race against the clock to establish new rules and restrictions for data center development. While an outright ban is not possible under Michigan law, officials aim to create an ordinance addressing residents' concerns about environmental impact, utilities, and quality of life. The goal is to have a functional ordinance in place before the moratorium lifts.
Pontiac, Michigan, is urgently working to establish new regulations for data centers as its current moratorium is set to expire in January. City leaders, including Councilman Mikal Goodman, are developing an ordinance to address community concerns despite Michigan law prohibiting an outright ban on data centers. Catherine Mullhaupt, staff attorney for the Michigan Townships Association, affirmed that communities cannot exclude data centers but are justified in taking time to set appropriate guidelines due to the industry's novelty and scale.
The proposed ordinance aims to mitigate potential negative impacts on residents, focusing on issues such as water and air quality, noise, and utility strain. Councilman Goodman emphasized the importance of ensuring data centers purchase and install their own utilities and avoid using diesel backup generators to protect public health. While there are no immediate plans for data center construction, the city has identified potential development zones, including areas near residential neighborhoods, prompting residents like James Cox to voice concerns about increased energy bills and local disruptions. The city's clear goal is to have a comprehensive ordinance in place that reflects the community's desires before the moratorium concludes.