AG Nessel, Others Talk Impact of Data Centers During Howell Town Hall

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and State Rep. Jennifer Conlin held a "Demystifying Data Centers Town Hall" in Howell, Michigan, to address public concerns regarding the impact of these facilities on electricity, jobs, and local communities. Attorney General Nessel stated that data center proposals across the state have raised issues among residents concerning cost, accountability, and data breaches. She emphasized the immense energy demand, noting that 1.4 gigawatts is equivalent to powering one million additional homes, a substantial increase for a state of ten million people. Nessel reiterated her role as the state's top consumer advocate, committed to protecting Michigan and its ratepayers during this transition. The discussion also covered the promise of data centers generating tax revenue for local schools and public works, with Nessel pointing out that these taxes would only be paid if the companies turn a profit. Experts on the panel voiced concerns about unavoidable environmental impacts, particularly energy and water consumption. Nessel mentioned that while Michigan already hosts over 70 data centers, most are not currently equipped for AI-related operations but rather power other systems.