Ypsilanti Township proposes water moratorium that could block planned UMich data center

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees recently approved a resolution requesting the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) to enact a water moratorium on hyperscale and mid-size data centers, including "high-performance computational centers." This action specifically targets a planned $1.25 billion data center by the University of Michigan in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, which requires 500,000 gallons of water daily for cooling. The project has generated substantial opposition from both township residents and the University community, citing concerns over its potential impact on the electrical grid, the environment, and its confirmed role in nuclear weapons development. While the University of Michigan is exempt from local zoning laws under Michigan's Constitution, a water moratorium could still prevent the data center's operation. Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, who also serves on YCUA’s Board of Commissioners, expressed confidence in YCUA's approval of the moratorium, emphasizing the need for studies to protect the community. This move follows a previous resolution where the board formally objected to the data center's construction. Paul Corliss, University assistant vice president for public affairs, stated the University's disappointment with the township's