How Data Centers Became This Michigan Dem’s Signature Issue
Will Lawrence, a Democratic congressional candidate in Michigan’s 7th District, has made opposition to proposed hyperscale data centers a central campaign issue. He supports a full moratorium on data center construction, citing emissions and water-use concerns, while Republican incumbent Tom Barrett opposes federal involvement in the issue.
Will Lawrence, a former climate and housing organizer and co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, is campaigning for Congress in Michigan’s competitive 7th District, which includes Lansing and surrounding areas. He has drawn voter attention by opposing proposed hyperscale data centers, arguing that their emissions, diesel use and water consumption pose environmental risks, including to the Great Lakes.
Lawrence supports a full moratorium on data center construction and says federal policymakers should address the industry’s climate and environmental impacts. Republican Rep. Tom Barrett, who represents the district, has said the federal government should not be involved. Political scientist Matt Grossman described data centers as one of Lawrence’s signature issues as he seeks to balance his climate-activist background with broader concerns among swing-district voters.