Michigan's Move: New Laws to Control Data Center Growth

Michigan is taking steps to manage the rapid expansion of data centers. Three new bills aim to control water use, transparency, and costs linked to these large facilities. The legislation comes as more people in Michigan express worries about the impact of data centers on their communities.

Key Points

• Introduction Date: December 18
• Focus Areas: Water consumption, energy use, infrastructure costs
• Support: Bipartisan backing from lawmakers

Senate Bill 761: Water Use Regulations

• Provision: Bans permits for projects withdrawing over 2 million gallons of water daily for non-returnable use.
• Target: Addresses the massive water needs of large data centers.

Senate Bill 762: Transparency in Energy and Water Usage

• Provision: Requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to release yearly reports.
• Content: Details energy and water usage of data centers.
• Goal: Informs the public about the true costs and impacts.

Senate Bill 763: Protection for Residential Ratepayers

• Provision: Prevents data centers from passing infrastructure costs to residential ratepayers.
• Objective: Protects households from unexpected utility bill increases.

Community Concerns and Projects

• Locations of Concern: Saline, Battle Creek, Mason
• Example Project: Saline Township's 1.4-gigawatt data center planned for farmland, intended for companies like OpenAI and Oracle.

Balancing Interests

• Critics' View: Data centers bring jobs and economic benefits.
• Opponents' Concerns: Environmental and financial toll.
• Legislation Aim: Balances interests to protect residents and natural resources.

Proactive Approach

• Precedents: Issues in Arizona and New Jersey.
• Michigan's Goal: Be proactive to prevent similar problems.