Los Alamos confirms nuclear weapons research at proposed U-M data center Los Alamos National Laboratory confirmed its portion of a proposed University of Michigan data center in Ypsilanti Township will support nuclear weapons research, including simulations related to plutonium pit development. Deputy laboratory director Patrick Fitch said one of two planned computers will handle “secret restricted data” for the nuclear weapons program. The facility faces opposition from residents concerned about environmental impacts and nuclear weapons development. University officials acknowledge Los Alamos’s stockpile maintenance mission and did not confirm or deny specific plutonium pit research plans. Source: The Michigan Daily
$285 million data center proposal demands response in 2 days Concord Infrastructure Partners pitched a $285 million data center to nine Michigan communities — Romulus, Taylor, Highland Park, Pontiac, Battle Creek, Flint, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, and Van Buren Township — with just 48 hours to commit. The proposal promised zero water usage through atmospheric capture and grid independence via solar panels and battery storage. No communities committed. Experts questioned the financing, land requirements, and feasibility. The developers, a web developer and IT professional, are now pursuing sites in Virginia and Texas. Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
Duggan: Mandate closed-loop cooling systems to protect Michigan water Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for Michigan governor as an independent, pledged to require tech companies building data centers to pay full electricity costs through “air-tight” contracts, protecting average customers from price hikes. Speaking at a Detroit Regional Chamber conference, Duggan called for mandating expensive closed-loop cooling systems to protect groundwater. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, demanded transparency and public input for data center projects in a statement to The Detroit News. U.S. Rep. John James, a GOP gubernatorial candidate, said he opposes state tax incentives and supports local zoning control. Source: The Detroit News…