Overview:
- Warren City Council will consider a data center moratorium after July 3 storms knocked down 60-plus power lines, exposing strain on the city's aging electrical grid.
- Multiple Michigan communities including Lansing, Sterling Heights, and Howell have passed or are considering data center restrictions.
- New York became the first state to pause hyperscale data center construction. Only 14% of Americans favor local data centers, according to recent polling.
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.
➡️ After power outages, Warren eyes data center restrictions Warren City Council may consider a temporary moratorium on data centers at its July 14 meeting. Council Secretary Mindy Moore requested the item, citing strain on Warren’s aging electrical grid, worsened by July 3 storms that knocked down over 60 power lines. Warren’s zoning ordinance has no provisions for data centers. If approved, legal counsel would draft a moratorium resolution while the city updates its zoning rules, joining other Michigan communities like Sterling Heights, Howell, and Springfield Township. 📌 Source: The Detroit News
➡️ Oakland University advances AI data center despite opposition Oakland University’s Board of Trustees voted to advance a data center and AI institute project into a due diligence phase, despite vocal campus opposition. The planned 15-acre facility, relocated to Parking Lot 37, would use about 2% of hyperscale-level power. Critics, including faculty and students, cited environmental concerns and disrespect toward Native communities near a heritage site. University leaders say the project will boost research competitiveness. A steering committee with students and faculty will guide next steps. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV
➡️ Saline Township probes data center dewatering, pond drop Saline Township officials are investigating whether construction dewatering at the Related Digital data center site caused a nearby pond to drop about 2 feet. Engineering consultant Dan Cabage said groundwater in the isolated work area fell 4-5 feet, and township officials weren’t initially informed when contractor Walbridge added water to the pond as a corrective measure. Cabage said he plans to follow up with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy about the dewatering permit while monitoring continues through summer. 📌 Source: The Sun Times News
➡️ Hyperscale CEO faces angry crowd over noise, trust issues At a tense Dowagiac public meeting, Hyperscale CEO Will Horne addressed hundreds of skeptical residents amid noise complaints and a class action lawsuit. Cryptocurrency mining will end in three months, with the data center shifting to AI computing and creating roughly 500 jobs, with noise reduction expected, he said. The company offered to buy nearby homes on Louise Avenue. Residents remain distrustful, citing past noise ordinance violations and lack of communication. Mayor Patrick Bakeman called the meeting a starting point for better dialogue. 📌 Source: WWMT-TV
➡️ Lansing passes moratorium after Deep Green proposal collapses Lansing City Council passed a 182-day moratorium on new data center development in a 7-1 vote, effective July 27 through Jan. 25, 2027. The move follows the withdrawal of artificial intelligence company Deep Green’s downtown Lansing proposal in April. Public comments were split, with some warning it could push developers elsewhere, while advocates urged strong environmental protections. Councilmember Jeremy Garza cast the lone dissenting vote, while others said the pause allows time to craft proper data center regulations. 📌 Source: WKAR Public Media
➡️ New York becomes first state to pause data centers New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order pausing construction of hyperscale data centers drawing 50-plus megawatts for up to a year, citing rising electric bills, disruptive noise, and environmental harm. The pause allows time to develop regulations, though Hochul avoided signing a legislature-passed moratorium into law. The move reflects growing national resistance to AI infrastructure, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing only 14% of Americans favor local data centers versus 57% opposed. 📌 Source: Barron’s
MORE DATA CENTER NEWS
Guide: How Michigan’s process for setting DTE, Consumers rates factors into midterms
As utility rate hikes pile up and data centers add power demands, Michigan’s Public Service Commission faces growing pressure to balance infrastructure needs with affordability for Metro Detroit ratepayers.
Lawmakers push data center accountability as Michigan prepares for midterms
Multiple bills in Michigan’s legislature would regulate or pause data center development, as communities grapple with facilities that can require over 100 megawatts of power and millions of gallons of water to operate.
‘Slap in the face’: Whitmer data center outrage indicates major election year issue
The backlash to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s support for a 1.4-gigawatt data center in Saline Township signals data centers may become a defining issue in Michigan’s 2026 election.
