State allowed Saline data center construction before final air quality permit approval
News ClipPlanet Detroit·Saline, Washtenaw County, MI·2/24/2026
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) granted a waiver to data center developer Related Digital to allow the installation of 15 diesel backup generators for Oracle and OpenAI's $7 billion data center project in Saline Township, Michigan, roughly three months before the final air quality permit was issued. The developer applied for the waiver in case it took extra time to receive the permit, but ultimately received the air permit relatively quickly. The Saline Township board also voted on the project.
zoningelectricitywater
OracleOpenAI
Gov: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Saline Township board
Michigan regulators granted air and wetland permits for Oracle and OpenAI's $7-billion Saline Township data center before the final air quality permit was issued. The developer obtained a waiver to begin installing backup generators, though the air permit was ultimately approved quickly. The project will require fewer backup generators than typical due to energy plans that include onsite and offsite storage. Residents raised concerns about the data center's impact on local waterways, but the developer stated they have plans to mitigate any potential issues. The developer is also preserving significant acreage of woodlands and wetlands as part of the project.