El-Sayed Opposes Saline Township Data Center
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has publicly opposed the Related Digital data center under construction in Saline Township, Michigan. He advocates for local and state moratoriums on data center projects until federal protections are established, raising concerns about water use and electricity demands. This stance is supported by local opponents and other state representatives.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed publicly declared his opposition to the Related Digital data center under construction in Saline Township, Michigan, on Thursday. Speaking at an event organized by Saline Indivisible near the construction site, El-Sayed advocated for local and state moratoriums on data center development until federal regulations are established. He emphasized that if the community opposes the data center, he opposes it too, outlining concerns about water use, electricity rates, renewable energy, job promises, and community benefits.
The event drew approximately 40 attendees and featured other elected officials, including Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman and Michigan state Rep. Erin Byrnes, who discussed efforts to halt data center projects in their respective states. Speakers highlighted worries about farmland loss, constant noise, and the substantial water and electricity demands of hyperscale data centers, as well as their impact on utility costs and public involvement in development decisions.
Despite the ongoing opposition and calls for new regulations, the Related Digital project is already under construction, with Saline Township officials having previously approved its zoning and tax-abatement measures. State environmental permitting for the project is still underway. Following the speeches, protesters moved to a roadside demonstration on Industrial Drive and Michigan Avenue, where about 100 people participated, carrying signs with the slogan "Real Barns Not Bribes."