Officials approve 30-day moratorium for data center in Penn Township, residents request a longer-term option

Officials in Penn Township, Cass County, Michigan, have enacted a 30-day moratorium on data center developments following community input. Township supervisor Oli Olafsson confirmed that developers have shown interest in bringing data centers to the area, but many residents, including Olafsson, oppose such projects near their homes. The decision to implement a 30-day pause was made during a board meeting, with trustee Scott Peters casting the sole dissenting vote, advocating for a longer moratorium. Residents like Kelly Eash of Cassopolis expressed dissatisfaction with the short duration, arguing that 30 days is insufficient for reviewing potential impacts and requesting a one-to-two-year halt. Supervisor Olafsson stated that the temporary moratorium is intended to provide the planning board and township attorney time to review regulatory language and determine next steps. The planning commission is expected to convene soon to consider options for extending the moratorium. The article also notes that neighboring Porter Township, also in Cass County, is considering a similar moratorium on data center projects.