Governor’s race hits Saline Township, site of massive data center project
Republican gubernatorial nominee John James used the planned data center in Saline Township to promote local control over development and criticize Michigan tax incentives. The project, connected to OpenAI, Oracle and Related Companies, proceeded after the township faced lawsuits, while both major candidates called for a moratorium on new data centers and stronger environmental and utility protections.
Republican Michigan gubernatorial nominee John James campaigned outside the planned Saline Township data center, arguing that local governments should control whether such projects are built. He criticized state tax incentives and said new facilities should be located on existing industrial sites rather than farmland. The project is connected to OpenAI, Oracle and Related Companies and has advanced after Saline Township relented in its effort to block it when faced with lawsuits.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson disputed James’ record on local control and raised questions about his support for federal legislation that could limit state and local regulation of artificial intelligence projects. Both candidates support a moratorium on new data centers while lawmakers develop additional rules addressing environmental impacts and the large electricity demands of the facilities. The Michigan Public Service Commission has imposed some protections through utility contracts, but lawmakers have not yet enacted those requirements into state law.