Data Center moratorium bills introduced in Michigan: Here's what they contain
Three Michigan Senate bills have been introduced to establish a statewide moratorium on new data center projects until April 2027. This proposed pause aims to allow lawmakers to study the potential impacts of data centers on Michigan's energy grid, land use, and local communities, driven by concerns from residents like those in Saline regarding a large data center project. The legislation would temporarily halt approvals by local governments and state agencies for data center developments.
Three Senate bills (1018, 1019, 1020) have been introduced in the Michigan Senate, proposing a statewide moratorium on new data center projects until April 1, 2027. The legislation aims to provide time for lawmakers, citizens, and business leaders to study the potential impacts of these large developments on Michigan communities, including energy rate hikes, environmental consequences, and land use concerns. The initiative comes amid growing public opposition, exemplified by residents in Saline who voiced concerns about a $16 billion data center project developed by Related Digital for Oracle and Open AI, citing issues like farmland loss and strain on water and electricity resources.
Senator Jim Runestad (R-District 23), who introduced the bills along with sponsor Ruth A. Johnson (R-District 24), stated that public opinion on data centers has "collapsed." He emphasized the need for lawmakers to heed constituents' voices, criticizing the Governor and Secretary of State's husband for perceived support of these developments despite public sentiment. The bills would prohibit local governments, state agencies like the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Michigan Public Service Commission from approving new data center plans, permits, zoning, or utility arrangements during the moratorium period.
Violators could face fines of up to $1,000 per day. Senate Bill 1019 specifically amends Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act to incorporate the new Data Center Regulation Act, while Senate Bill 1020 prohibits the MPSC from approving utility arrangements for data centers until April 2027. All three bills were introduced on June 4, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.