LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Thursday introduced legislation to establish a one-year moratorium on all data center projects, developments and plans in the state of Michigan.
“My legislation advises caution,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “It is foolish for lawmakers to allow untested, potentially dangerous projects in our communities without proper scrutiny and thorough diligence.”
Under Senate Bills 1018, 1019 and 1020, all data center projects would be halted to allow citizens, lawmakers and business leaders to gather information on the impact these large developments could have on Michigan communities, like potential energy rate hikes, environmental consequences and other long-term effects.
The bills do not ban data centers from being developed but instead institute a year-long pause until further information can be obtained.
“We’re currently operating under a process that is poorly understood, and these developments could potentially have major negative consequences beyond what we’re already seeing,” Runestad said. “Farmland is being destroyed and full communities are being razed to make way for these projects that are being pushed without complete information and with a disregard for public opinion.”
Public opinion on data centers has collapsed in recent months, as concerns grow about the strain on electrical grids and the long-term impact these large facilities could have. A recent poll by the Detroit Regional Chamber shows people support additional safeguards, such as ensuring that no electrical costs for data centers are passed down to other ratepayers, requiring the company managing the data center to pay for all operational upgrades to the electrical grid, prohibiting nondisclosure agreements or tax incentives from being offered by the state or local governments, and putting in place other environmental safeguards.
“The bills are a necessary course of action. Lawmakers must hear the voices of their constituents and act,” Runestad said. “While the governor is busy cozying up to tech CEOs for a photo op in Saline Township and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s husband is actively lobbying for these large-scale developments, polling and clear public opinion overwhelmingly show that people do not want these behemoths in their backyards, especially without additional regulations.
“This moratorium will provide the necessary timeframe for lawmakers to listen to the public and put sensible regulations in place.”
SBs 1018, 1019 and 1020 were referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations for further consideration.
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