Whitmer asks data center companies to sign onto "responsible growth" plan
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has launched the "Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan," asking data center companies to commit to environmental protection, grid reliability, and local hiring. Google and Oracle have already signed the 10-point plan. The governor is also urging the state legislature to codify these guardrails into law to ensure data centers cover their full costs.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced the "Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan," a 10-point initiative designed to ensure responsible data center development within the state. The plan requires companies to comply with environmental permits, prioritize local hiring, and help maintain electric grid reliability without burdening Michigan residents or small businesses. Governor Whitmer emphasized that data center developers must bear the full costs of their operations, protect natural resources, and create well-paying local jobs.
Major tech companies Google and Oracle have publicly committed to supporting the plan. Google stated its "Project Cannoli," a proposed data center campus in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, aligns with the pledge. The company, in partnership with DTE Energy, plans to integrate 2.7 gigawatts of new clean energy resources to support the local grid, projecting $1.7 billion in long-term ratepayer savings. Oracle also affirmed its commitment, with Vice President Michael Egbert highlighting the company's efforts to prevent utility bill increases and ensure grid reliability through a partnership with DTE. Oracle projects its partnership with DTE will deliver an annual net benefit of approximately $300 million to Michigan electricity consumers, alongside creating jobs and tax revenue. The state's plan additionally calls for the Michigan legislature to legally enshrine these "guardrails" to ensure data centers fully cover the costs they impose on the electric system. Whitmer urged both companies to sign the pledge and the legislature to codify the protections into state law, as Michigan sees a rapid increase in data center development due to AI growth.