John James discusses data centers and Gordie Howe Bridge during Bay City visit
Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate John James visited Bay City, Michigan, to discuss his approach to data centers and rising utility rates. He advocated for local control over data center development, protection of water resources, and prioritizing blighted land. James also proposed repealing current environmental mandates to lower utility costs if elected governor.
Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate John James visited Bay City, Michigan, to speak at the Fraternal Order of Police State Conference and discuss key policy issues with Spectrum News. Among the topics were his perspective on data center development, rising utility rates across the state, and the delayed opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Regarding data centers, James outlined a priority for local control, ensuring electricity bills do not increase, monitoring pollution, protecting water resources, and advocating for the use of blighted and brownfield sites over green farmland for new projects. He noted that over a dozen data center projects have either been proposed or are under development in Michigan over the past year.
James also addressed the issue of rising utility costs, stating his intention to repeal what he termed "Green New Deal mandates" imposed under Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which he attributes to increasing energy bills. He indicated that as governor, he would use his executive power to appoint commissioners to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) who understand the impact of these mandates on ratepayers.
Additionally, James commented on the indefinite delay of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. He expressed a desire for open commerce with Canada but emphasized it should not come at the expense of Americans, referencing former President Donald Trump's previous threats to block the bridge's opening without fair compensation and respect for the U.S.