State Rep. Conlin Says Data Centers Need Stronger Guardrails and Communities Should Have More Say

Michigan State Representative Jennifer Conlin, a Democrat representing portions of Livingston, Washtenaw, and Jackson counties, has voiced strong opinions on the need for increased local control and robust "guardrails" surrounding data center developments in Michigan. Conlin initially supported state legislation offering tax exemptions to attract technology companies but later voted against its final passage. Her shift came after growing concerns from local residents and environmental groups regarding the scale of proposed projects and their potential impacts on water usage, energy demand, and land use. She noted the difficulty of the vote, balancing the interests of environmentalists with organized labor, traditionally aligned with Democrats. Conlin highlighted specific projects that have raised community alarm, including a withdrawn proposal in Howell Township, the $16 billion Oracle/OpenAI/Related Digital "Stargate" project in Saline Township, and Lyon Township’s "Project Flex." Although these projects are outside her district, Conlin emphasized the broader need for transparency, referencing a town hall with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel where redacted contracts and closed-door proceedings were discussed. Conlin believes that while innovation is vital, data centers should not be imposed on communities that oppose them, advocating for state regulations that respect local autonomy. The representative also addressed a recent proposal from DTE, Michigan's utility provider, to freeze future rate hikes for two years if the Saline Township data center project becomes operational by 2027. Conlin, who has pledged not to accept utility campaign contributions, found the utility's offer unusual, a sentiment echoed by Attorney General Nessel, who labeled it a "ransom note." This incident further underscores the complex interplay between state economic development, local governance, utility interests, and environmental concerns in the rapidly expanding data center sector.