Dingell Opposes Textile Road Site for Los Alamos Computing Center

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell has publicly opposed the proposed research computing center by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory at its planned Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township. This marks a firmer stance from Dingell, who had previously criticized the university's site-selection process and pushed for greater transparency with residents following a contentious town hall.

Dingell’s objections are not against scientific research or artificial intelligence generally, but specifically target the proposed location. She highlighted unresolved issues regarding the project’s substantial electricity and water demands, potential noise pollution, proximity to schools, environmental contamination, and questions about the center’s oversight. Additionally, Dingell questioned the security of a promised $300 million contribution from Los Alamos National Laboratory, noting her inquiries found no federal appropriation or binding financial commitment for the $1.25 billion project. She urged U-M and Los Alamos to release their agreement and detail funding conditions.

The University of Michigan describes the facility as a specialized research computing center, not a commercial data center, initially requiring 50 megawatts of electricity, potentially rising to 100 megawatts. U-M states it would fund a dedicated electrical substation and plans for closed-loop cooling and reclaimed wastewater to mitigate environmental impacts. Los Alamos Director Thom Mason clarified the center would not involve weapons or nuclear materials but would aid in assessing the existing nuclear stockpile, while also projecting economic benefits for southeastern Michigan. Mason's letter did not address the funding specifics.

Beyond the Ypsilanti Township project, Representative Dingell advocated for comprehensive state and federal regulations for large computing facilities. She proposed measures such as utility customer protections, public reporting of resource demands, mandatory environmental reviews, and enforceable community benefit agreements. Dingell suggested development should be paused if Congress does not act swiftly, urging Michigan to consider a temporary moratorium on new large-scale projects until such standards are established.