Three ways the 2026 midterm election could impact Michigan’s environment
Michigan’s 2026 election results could shape future data center policy, particularly regarding water and land use. Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson supported a temporary data center moratorium, while Secretary of State-elect Garlin Gilchrist emphasized companies’ responsibility for water use and water quality.
Michigan Public examined how the 2026 election could influence environmental and energy policy across the state. Governor-elect Jocelyn Benson’s campaign supported a temporary moratorium on data centers and called for developers to demonstrate before construction that projects would not harm natural resources, including water and land.
Secretary of State-elect Garlin Gilchrist identified data center water use and water-quality impacts as environmental concerns. Attorney General-elect Eli Savit also campaigned on protecting environmental safeguards, while broader energy and regulatory challenges remain important issues for the incoming administration.