LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A new report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan says anti-data center sentiment is growing in Michigan — but many of the concerns citizens have are misunderstood.
As many Michiganders continue to oppose billion-dollar data center projects, communities across the state are weighing the economic benefits against concerns over energy use, water consumption and quality of life. The Citizens Research Council of Michigan says many of those concerns are based in reality, but often misconstrued.
Michigan lawmakers introduce data center regulation legislation
A proposed data center in downtown Lansing sparked months of heated debate before developers ultimately pulled out, something the council says reflects a growing division in public opinion.
The Deep Green proposal would have built a 24-megawatt, $120 million data center, partnering with the Lansing Board of Water & Light to reuse waste heat and upgrade the city’s steam heating system. But after significant public backlash, the developer withdrew.
“I watched those meetings, and opposition was just as vehement as if the proposal were for a thousand-acre hyperscale center planted downtown. And the developer withdrew, which I think may be a loss for Lansing,” said Eric Dennis, a Citizens Research Council expert in civil infrastructure policy.
House Speaker Matt Hall slams data center tax credits
Dennis says that project highlights a growing trend across Michigan. Researchers found many people are treating every data center proposal the same even though they can vary dramatically in size and impact…