Gov. Whitmer launches Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, calls on data centers to comply
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, which aims to ensure data center companies cover the full costs of their operations and development. The plan calls for legislative action to codify existing safeguards and for companies to sign a pledge to protect Michigan consumers from higher energy bills and safeguard natural resources. This initiative seeks to hold data centers accountable for their environmental and economic impact.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, designed to ensure data center companies operating in the state bear the full costs of their construction and operation. This initiative aims to protect Michigan's electric grid, conserve natural resources, and hold developers accountable, preventing Michigan families from incurring higher energy bills due to data center development.
Governor Whitmer emphasized the necessity for data center companies to commit to paying their full costs, protecting natural resources, and creating local, well-paying jobs. She is calling on all data center companies to sign the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, which outlines compliance with state laws and Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) orders regarding energy costs, environmental protection, transparency, and job creation. The plan also urges the Michigan legislature to codify these existing MPSC safeguards into state law, further cementing protections for ratepayers.
Casey Katims, Executive Director of the U.S. Climate Alliance, supported Governor Whitmer's plan, highlighting Michigan's role in setting higher standards for ratepayer protections and environmental safeguards amidst the growth of AI data centers. The plan's two key pillars include legislative adoption of MPSC data center safeguards and the pledge for companies to cover all their costs, including water and energy, thus establishing Michigan's leadership in robust data center regulations.