New report from non-partisan research group shares findings on data center controversies in Michigan
A new report by the non-partisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan provides an additional perspective on data center controversies in the state. The report, authored by Eric Paul Dennis, examines concerns such as water consumption, noise pollution, and heat island effects, suggesting that proposals should be evaluated individually and highlighting issues with current local ordinances.
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a non-partisan research group, has released a new report offering a perspective on the ongoing data center controversies in the state. Author Eric Paul Dennis argues that data center proposals should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, particularly focusing on hyperscale centers due to their potentially unique concerns. The report draws from existing studies, public records, and press articles.
Key findings address top concerns, including water consumption. Dennis suggests that while some watersheds are sensitive, water risks are often "overexaggerated," citing Michigan's specific water regulations and state data center tax incentives. He noted that data centers using non-evaporative closed-loop cooling consume very little water, although the water usage associated with power generation can be significant.
The report also highlights issues like potential noise pollution, as typical local ordinances may not adequately account for data centers' lower frequencies. Dennis believes many ordinances are "not sufficiently protective." Additionally, it examines "heat island effects," where large developments and heat emissions could raise nearby land surface temperatures, noting that more research supports this concept and it should not be dismissed.