Anti-data center rallies planned in Detroit, Ann Arbor Saturday: ‘People don’t want these at all’

Anti-data center rallies are scheduled this weekend in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other Michigan cities, with organizers tying the opposition to political donations from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. State Rep. James DeSana (R-Monroe County) and other speakers highlight concerns about data centers occupying agricultural land, consuming vast amounts of electricity and water, and generating noise. Grassroots efforts are being connected to the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics (MMOP) ballot initiative, which seeks to prohibit political donations from monopoly utilities. The Michigan Legislature is considering measures like a data center moratorium and the repeal of tax breaks for these facilities. Residents like Wendy Albers of Augusta Township are advocating for a local moratorium, especially as Augusta Township voters prepare to decide on rezoning land for a $1-billion data center project in August. DTE Energy spokesperson Ryan Lowry stated the company complies with all applicable laws regarding political contributions and will include protections in service agreements to ensure data centers cover their costs. Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler defended political activity as free speech and argued that significant load growth from data centers would lead to downward pressure on rates. Past events, such as Saline Township's board initially denying rezoning for a $7-billion Oracle and OpenAI data center, which was later allowed to proceed after a lawsuit settlement, are cited as examples of the challenges. The ongoing public outcry, with high support for the MMOP initiative, suggests a broad bipartisan disapproval of data center developments in Michigan.