Data centers focus of town hall in Howell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined state and local representatives at a town hall in Howell, Michigan, to address community concerns regarding data center developments. Howell is one of several Michigan cities approached by companies seeking to build data centers, with residents actively opposing such projects. The most recent company interested in Howell reportedly withdrew its offer due to community pushback. Residents expressed concerns about cost accountability, potential data breaches, and the broader impact on local infrastructure and resources. Attorney General Nessel acknowledged the principle behind data centers but criticized the current development process, citing a lack of transparency in company agreements, many of which are heavily redacted. She raised questions about accountability for budget overruns and the potential for increased utility rates for residents. Experts on the panel also highlighted significant environmental impacts that cannot be avoided, such as high energy and water consumption. Concerns were voiced about the potential construction of more methane gas plants to power data centers, increased local pollution from diesel backup generators, and the effect on the state's transition to renewable energy. Both experts and Attorney General Nessel advocated for new legislation as the primary method to hold data center companies accountable. They emphasized that robust laws are crucial to ensure companies adhere to their original contractual plans and operate transparently within communities.