Overview:

  • Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson says the city's data center moratorium vote is about building strong regulations, not rejecting development, in response to Washington Post criticism.
  • GOP state Sen. Jim Runestad introduces bills for a one-year statewide data center moratorium, citing lack of community input and concerns about rural siting.
  • Environmental activist Erin Brockovich launches a national tracking map for data center developments.

Here’s a roundup of data center news we’re watching at Planet Detroit as we cover the environmental and financial impacts of the developments in Michigan communities.

⚡ Detroit councilman responds to Washington Post data center editorial Detroit is adopting a Not-In-My-Backyard attitude toward data centers when they are a productive use of the city’s empty space, The Washington Post editorial board said in May. Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson writes in a rebuttal that Detroit is not missing out on data centers — it is deliberately pausing to build a stronger regulatory framework. His council-approved moratorium resolution led to the formation of a stakeholder group including labor, business, and sustainability advocates, with an aim to establish a zoning ordinance by end of 2026, he said. Benson insists utility bills must not rise for residents and that community-driven local control is essential to responsible data center development. 📌 Source: The Washington Post

⚡ Republican Michigan senator pushes 1-year statewide data center pause GOP state Sen. Jim Runestad of White Lake introduced bills to institute a one-year statewide moratorium on new data centers in Michigan, citing public concern and lack of community input. Runestad takes particular issue with rural siting, suggesting cities like Detroit and Flint would be better locations. Though a self-described AI user, he said he wants development slowed to avoid mistakes. Runestad acknowledges political headwinds may prevent the bills from receiving a committee hearing. 📌 Source: WWMT-TV

⚡ Erin Brockovich launches data center tracking map Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has launched an interactive map allowing residents to track and self-report data center developments nationwide, including in Michigan. Created after community members contacted her about projects built without their knowledge, the map covers operational, under-construction, and proposed facilities. Key concerns include rising electricity bills, water usage, noise and lack of transparency. In Michigan, Dowagiac residents are suing a data center over excessive noise, and Mid-Michigan residents have already submitted reports to the map. 📌 Source: WKAR-FM

⚡ Google grants $250,000 to Huron River group as it plans massive Michigan data center Google is awarding a $250,000 grant to the Huron River Watershed Council to expand its Rain Catchers stormwater program, coinciding with the company’s plans to build a 1.5-million-square-foot data center in Van Buren Township. The facility will draw 2–3.65 million gallons of water daily from the Great Lakes Water Authority. Google says it aims to replenish more freshwater than it consumes by 2030 and minimize its environmental footprint. 📌 Source: MLive

⚡ Whitmer, Spanberger, Hochul among Democrats facing heat over data center policies Democratic governors are navigating growing political pressure over data center development. Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro and New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill have introduced new energy and environmental standards. New York’s Kathy Hochul has a statewide moratorium bill awaiting her signature. Illinois’ JB Pritzker paused tax exemptions. Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer faced progressive backlash after appearing at a $16-billion data center groundbreaking. Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger is caught between pro-business interests and a $2-billion tax exemption fight. 📌 Source: E&E News by Politico

⚡ Data centers are midterm flashpoints, but few politicians will touch a ban Despite more than 70% of Americans opposing data centers in their communities, few politicians are embracing outright bans. Democrats are divided, with trade unions supporting construction jobs while progressives push for moratoriums. Republicans, following Trump’s pro-data center stance, are only recently responding to grassroots anger. Ohio’s Mike DeWine paused tax breaks after centers cost the state over $1 billion in lost revenue. Residents of Monterey Park, California approved the nation’s first permanent data center ban with 86% support. 📌 Source: The Washington Post

Dustin Blitchok brings extensive editorial leadership experience, having served as an editor at Benzinga and Metro Times, and got his start in journalism at The Oakland Press. As a longtime Detroit resident and journalist, he has covered a wide range of public interest stories, including criminal justice and government accountability.