Michigan Senate Democrats Propose Seven Bills to Regulate Data Centers
The eight-bill package would cap water use, require long-term utility contracts and set renewable energy and labor standards for operators.
- On Thursday, Michigan Senate Democrats introduced a seven-bill package to regulate hyperscale data centers, aiming to curb environmental impacts and energy usage amid growing public opposition.
- Lawmakers acted after receiving numerous constituent complaints about data center growth, facility secrecy, and strain on public energy and water resources.
- The legislation mandates that facilities using over 20 megawatts enter 20-year utility contracts, requires 90% clean energy usage, and caps nonrenewable water consumption at 2 million gallons per day.
- Senate Bill 1050 and 1051 require developers to sign binding community benefit agreements before construction, while Senate Bill 1049 bans public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements regarding data centers.
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed support for the legislative framework to keep Michigan competitive, though the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter noted the package excludes regulations addressing noise pollution.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Herald Palladium
Senate Democrats propose tighter regulations on data centers amid statewide backlash
As community members throughout the state are pushing back against the development of data centers, citing concerns about rising energy costs, impacts on local water resources and the veracity of promises about benefits to the community, Michigan Senate Democrats say…
Michigan Senate Democrats propose seven bills to regulate data centers
Senate Democrats announced seven new bills Thursday aimed at setting restrictions for data centers across Michigan. WATCH BELOW: Michigan Senate Democrats propose seven bills to regulate data centers Michigan Senate Democrats propose seven bills to regulate data centersThe legislation comes after lawmakers said they heard concerns from constituents about data center growth in the state."All of us have heard from our constituents about data cente…
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