Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson discusses tariffs, data centers
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson is proposing a moratorium on new data center development in Michigan until guardrails are established for noise reduction, water protection, and community benefits agreements. Republican opponent John James criticized Benson, claiming her family profits from an unpopular data center.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed her plans for Michigan if elected governor, focusing on affordability and other key issues. Among her proposals, Benson stated she would "act swiftly to put a moratorium on any new data center development until we have guardrails in place." These guardrails would ensure noise reduction, water protections, and requirements for data centers to negotiate openly with communities to establish benefits agreements.
In response to Benson's comments, her Republican challenger, U.S. Representative John James, issued a statement. James criticized Benson and Democrats, suggesting they only now want to address affordability after years of what he termed "failed policies." He also highlighted a previous controversy, claiming that "Jocelyn Benson's family is busy profiting from a data center that local residents didn't want," and advocating for reestablishing local control and ensuring utility oversight.