Data Center Signal is tracking 13 clips about Related Companies data center developments across 3 states, including MI, GA, WY.
Saline Township has reversed its decision, granting a full tax break to Oracle's $43 billion data center project after initially attempting to appease angry residents. The reversal occurred swiftly, ensuring the massive artificial intelligence data center receives the full incentive.
A nationwide day of protests against data centers is planned for July 18, led by Humans First, demanding stricter regulations in over 50 cities across 22 states. In Michigan, several hyperscale data centers are under development, including Google's "Project Cannoli" and the "Stargate" project by OpenAI and Oracle, raising concerns among residents about water usage, energy costs, and noise.
The Saline Township board in Michigan approved an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for Oracle's data center, but capped it at the project's original $4.81 billion price tag. This decision was made to appease angry residents and adhere to the township’s consent agreement with Oracle. The data center is being developed by Related Companies for use by OpenAI.
Local officials in Saline Township, Michigan, face a legal dilemma regarding Oracle's request for property tax exemptions for its $43 billion data center project. The township had previously agreed to approve these tax breaks as part of a consent agreement signed with developers last year. The data center is a collaborative effort involving Oracle, Related Companies, and OpenAI.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a strong proponent of artificial intelligence and data center development, championing projects like a $16 billion data center in Saline Township by Oracle and Related Digital, which has faced intense local opposition. Critics raise concerns about surging electricity bills, water supply impact, and environmental pollution from backup generators. While other states are enacting regulations or moratoriums, Whitmer has pushed for tax exemptions for data centers, leading to political divisions within Michigan.
A report commissioned by business groups recommends that Michigan strengthen its data center regulations to ease public concerns and better attract investment and jobs. The report urges the state to enshrine and fortify existing policies.
Data center developments, including The Barn data center in Saline Township, Michigan, have sparked a debate regarding their water consumption. While proposals move forward statewide, questions persist about appropriate water usage levels and methods. The article suggests data centers may not be the largest water users despite public concern.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held for a $56 billion data center in Saline Township, Michigan, known as The Barn, featuring leaders from OpenAI, Oracle, and The Related Companies, alongside Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The project, part of the larger Stargate plan, is one of the largest AI infrastructure investments globally despite initial local opposition and a settled lawsuit over rezoning. It is expected to create 450 jobs and will consume 1.4 gigawatts of power.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other dignitaries attended a celebration for the Saline Township data center, which has faced controversy but is already under construction. Developers pledged to be good neighbors, with Related Companies announcing a $10 million investment in the Saline Recreation Center. They also addressed environmental concerns by committing to closed-loop air cooling for water conservation and covering all energy costs.
Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins addressed the Wyoming Legislature's Select Water Committee, asserting that data centers in Cheyenne use significantly less water than other local industries and residential irrigation. He also highlighted existing city regulations for data center developers, including requirements for noise, light, and power infrastructure costs.
Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial candidates are actively discussing their stances on data center development, highlighting a consensus around economic benefits balanced with concerns for natural resources and energy infrastructure. Key themes include ensuring developers pay for energy and water use, protecting natural resources, and maintaining local control over siting decisions. Candidates like Benson, Cox, Duggan, James, Johnson, Nesbitt, and Swanson have shared their views on regulating data center projects statewide.
Data centers have emerged as a major issue in several US midterm election races, with candidates weighing the economic benefits of data centers against the strain they put on local utility grids and water supplies. Candidates in Michigan, Georgia, and Tennessee are debating policies around data center zoning, tax incentives, and environmental impacts.
Residents of Saline Township, Michigan are fighting against a proposed $7 billion, 1.4 gigawatt data center that would be backed by powerful tech and political figures. The local township board initially rejected the plans, but the data center backers sued and forced the board to reverse its decision. Residents are concerned the data center would increase energy bills, pollute groundwater, and destroy the area's rural character.