Michigan regulators are reviewing a wetland permit for Google’s planned data center in Van Buren Township, which would destroy 13.55 acres of wetlands in a county that has already lost 90% of them to development.
Civic Action Toolbox
Why it matters
The Google data center would destroy 13.5 acres of wetlands that help absorb floodwaters in Wayne County, which has seen historic flooding in recent years.
Who’s making public decisions
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will decide whether to approve the wetland permit, with additional environmental review by the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Civic Actions: What You Can Do
- Submit public comment on Michigan’s water quality and wetland assessmentEGLE is accepting public comments until July 13, 2026, on the Draft 2026 Clean Water Act Integrated Report, which documents water quality conditions across Michigan including wetland health and flooding vulnerability.
- Write a letter to the editor or op-edShare your perspective with a broader audience by submitting a letter to the editor or opinion piece to your local paper.
- Register to voteMake sure you’re registered and ready to vote on the issues and candidates that affect your community.
- Submit public comment on the wetland permit for Google’s Van Buren Township data centerSubmit a comment on Panattoni’s wetland permit for a Google data center. EGLE is accepting public comments until June 26 by email at [email protected].
Organizations to Follow
- Michigan Wetlands Association
- Friends of the Rouge
What to watch for next
The public comment period on the wetland permit closes June 26, after which EGLE will decide whether to approve the wetlands permit for Google’s data center project.
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