Overview:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory representative says planned data center in Ypsilanti Township would support nuclear weapons research.
- Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, now a gubernatorial candidate, advocates for stringent cooling systems to safeguard Michigan's groundwater.
- Howell Township is drafting data center regulations after voting for a six-month moratorium on the facilities.
🤖 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
🤖 Blackstone weighs larger stake in Saline Township data center Blackstone is considering expanding its investment in Oracle’s Michigan data center project, potentially adding debt financing alongside equity capital, as other investors hesitate amid market concerns, Bloomberg reports. Bank of America is leading efforts to raise $14 billion in debt for the Saline Township site. Oracle’s stock decline and rising default insurance costs have spooked some investors. Oracle is using an off-balance sheet lease arrangement in Michigan that’s similar to projects in Wisconsin, Texas, and New Mexico. The company has $248 billion committed to data center leases. 📌 Source: Bloomberg
🤖 Saline Township reverses rezoning of data center property The Saline Township board unanimously rescinded a rezoning decision for the pending Oracle data center development, changing the property designation from I-1 Industrial back to A-1 Agricultural. Attorney David Landry said this prevents future industrial uses if the data center ceases operations, though the existing consent agreement for the Oracle project remains unaffected and isn’t subject to referendum. Residents voiced objections during heated public comments. 📌 Source: The Sun Times News
🤖 Howell Township develops data center ordinance after backlash Howell Township is drafting data center regulations after a proposal was withdrawn following resident opposition. Officials are considering an overlay zoning district near I-96, limiting large facilities to 750,000 square feet to reduce financial risk, which could reach 17% of township revenue. Planners aim to keep data centers in industrial zones away from residential areas. Future discussions will address setbacks, building heights, water usage, power consumption, and noise requirements before final board approval. 📌 Source: MLive
🤖 West Michigan braces for data center boom West Michigan communities are proactively updating zoning regulations for data centers as developers eye potential sites, including Sparta’s 125-acre former rodeo grounds. Municipalities face challenges balancing economic benefits against concerns over water and electricity consumption. Experts recommend defining data centers separately from warehouses in industrial zones and securing written commitments from developers on community benefits. The University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute is publishing a guidebook this month to help local governments navigate data center proposals. 📌 Source: Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
MORE DATA CENTER NEWS
U of M data center event fails the transparency test, residents say
Residents of Ypsilanti Township voiced concerns over the University of Michigan’s $1.2 million data center project, fearing increased power bills, environmental impacts, and lack of community benefits.
Data centers could drive Michigan air pollution higher with climate law loophole: Science nonprofit
Data center power demands, emissions loophole for Michigan utilities could add to the state’s air pollution in decades ahead, The Union of Concerned Scientists says.
Data center protest in Van Buren Township targets 1-gigawatt proposal
Data center opponents say the 800,000-square-foot facility could strain local utilities. The data center will use as much as 3.6 million gallons of water a day, according to the township.