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On December 16, a significant crowd gathered at the Michigan State Capitol, braving frigid temperatures to voice their opposition to proposed data centers. More than one hundred individuals participated in this rally, chanting “No secret deals!” while displaying signs that highlighted concerns over threats to local water resources and potential increases in electricity rates.
The proposed data centers include a small 24-megawatt facility in downtown Lansing and a massive 1.4-gigawatt center planned for Saline Township. This latter proposal has ignited considerable debate among community members. Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, attended the rally and criticized the lack of transparency from DTE Energy, the utility company associated with the Saline project. She expressed alarm over legislative support for tax incentives that would benefit these developments.
The implications of data centers on local communities
The Saline Township project involves major players like OpenAI and Oracle and is proposed to become one of the largest data centers in the United States. Nessel underscored the project’s scale, noting that the required 1.4 gigawatts of power could sustain a city of approximately one million residents. She posed critical questions to the crowd about their trust in these corporations, receiving a loud and unified “No!” in response.
Community voices against data center expansion
The rally was organized by a Facebook group named Michiganders Against Data Centers, which attracted participants from various regions, including Detroit and Kalamazoo. Attendees like Patrick and Pam Lind from the Mason area voiced their concerns about potential data center developments in their communities. Patrick emphasized the need for proactive opposition, while Pam stressed the importance of safeguarding Michigan’s natural resources.
“We care about our Great Lakes, our farmland, and the health of our people,” Pam stated, reflecting the rally’s commitment to preserving Michigan’s environmental integrity. Legislators also joined the protest, with state representatives like Reggie Miller and James DeSana condemning what they termed a “gold rush mentality” among data center developers.
The economic risks posed by data centers
During the protest, Attorney General Nessel warned attendees of the potential for an economic catastrophe should data centers expand without regulation. She displayed documents from DTE Energy, highlighting the lack of clarity regarding utility contracts and the possible effects on local electricity prices. Nessel predicted that unchecked growth could lead to a recession specifically impacting Michigan, as rising utility costs could place a burden on both residents and businesses.
Demand for regulatory oversight
Nessel urged the Michigan Public Service Commission to comprehensively assess DTE’s plans for supplying power to the Saline Township data center through a contested case, which would allow for public testimony and scrutiny. She criticized the commission’s tendency to expedite approvals without adequate oversight, stressing that developers should not be permitted to impose terms without accountability.
As the rally continued, bipartisan support emerged. Republican gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson expressed alignment with Nessel’s concerns while calling for further action against data center proposals. The event highlighted a rare moment of unity among diverse political perspectives, reinforcing the notion that both sides of the aisle are worried about the implications of data centers on Michigan’s future.
The opposition to data centers underscores a larger dialogue about balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship and community welfare. As more towns contemplate similar proposals, the voices of concerned residents are likely to resonate in the halls of power.