Michigan gubernatorial candidate Benson talks about data centers
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson discussed her environmental plan in Grand Rapids, addressing how she would handle data centers. She stated that as governor, she would welcome jobs but not at the expense of Michigan's water, air, or energy bills. Benson proposed implementing enforceable guardrails for data centers, including transparency and rigorous standards, with the potential for a moratorium if agreements are broken.
Jocelyn Benson, a Michigan gubernatorial candidate and current Secretary of State, recently presented her environmental platform in Grand Rapids. During her address, she specifically outlined her approach to data center development within the state.
Benson emphasized that while she supports bringing jobs to Michigan, this growth should not compromise the state's natural resources or increase residents' energy costs. She advocated for establishing "enforceable guardrails" to ensure that all corporations, including data center developers, operate with transparency and adhere to strict environmental standards.
Furthermore, Benson stated that if these agreements are violated, her administration would hold companies accountable, even considering implementing a moratorium on data center construction as a potential consequence.