Data center news: Dingell calls for pause on University of Michigan’s Ypsilanti Township supercomputing project

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.

➡️ Dingell calls for pause on University of Michigan’s Ypsilanti Township supercomputing project U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell is calling for a pause on the University of Michigan’s planned $1.25-billion high-performance computing facility in Ypsilanti Township to be operated with Los Alamos National Laboratory, The Detroit News reports. In a letter to township officials and U of M’s president, Dingell cited a lack of transparency, unclear jurisdictional authority, and unanswered questions about the college and research lab’s agreement. Residents, who say the project is a data center, voiced strong opposition at a recent town hall. 📌 Source: The Detroit News

➡️ AI boom fuels surge in forever chemical manufacturing, watchdog says Chemicals watchdog group ChemSec warns of a “tidal wave” of PFAS — forever chemicals — production as manufacturers expand to meet artificial intelligence-driven demand for data center cooling and semiconductor manufacturing, according to The Guardian. A survey of the 10 largest PFAS producers found almost all plan to increase output, including Daikin, Chemours, and Arkema. Only Archroma and BASF are moving away from PFAS. Critics warn of health risks, since PFAS don’t degrade and are linked to cancer and other diseases. 📌 Source: The Guardian

➡️ Lyon Township residents slam $1 billion data center plan A Lyon Township Planning Commission meeting drew standing-room crowds and roughly 15 speakers opposing Project Flex, a proposed 1.8-million-square-foot, up-to-$1 billion data center from developer Verrus near I-96, according to WJBK-TV. Residents cited noise, environmental strain, and property value concerns; the site wasn’t on the meeting agenda. Consultants are still reviewing the site plan submission. Verrus, on its fifth revision, said it welcomes thorough review. Officials wouldn’t comment further, citing legal caution. 📌 Source: WJBK-TV

➡️ Michigan won’t reveal who gets data center tax breaks Michigan officials now say state law requires secrecy around which companies apply for 2024 tax breaks on data center equipment, following earlier statements that no applications had been received, MLive reports. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. cites third-party legal guidance for this interpretation. Critics, including state Rep. Joey Andrews, a St. Joseph Democrat, and the Michigan Environmental Council, dispute this reading, saying disclosure was intended. The tax breaks exempt qualifying data centers from Michigan’s 6% sales tax through 2050, with revenue impact estimates varying widely. 📌 Source: MLive

➡️ Warren approves 12-month moratorium on new data centers Warren City Council unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, giving officials time to draft zoning regulations, since the current ordinance doesn’t define the facilities, Warren Weekly reports. The move follows concerns about strain on electrical infrastructure after July storms knocked down power lines. The moratorium excludes existing facilities and small server rooms. Attorney Jeff Schroeder cited litigation in Gibraltar over a similar moratorium, saying Warren’s version includes safeguards to avoid legal challenges. 📌 Source: Warren Weekly

➡️ Dearborn advances 6-month data center moratorium Dearborn City Council gave a first reading to a six-month moratorium on new data centers, expected to extend from October through March 2027 while officials draft permanent zoning regulations, according to MLive. The move follows controversy over nearby projects, including U of M’s proposed Ypsilanti Township supercomputing facility and a 1-gigawatt Google facility planned in Van Buren Township. The ordinance would define data centers in Dearborn’s zoning code and require written notice to applicants during the pause. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval after an Aug. 10 hearing. 📌 Source: MLive

➡️ Residents frustrated by noise as Google data center work ramps up Van Buren Township residents, including Anne Leischner, say construction noise and equipment behind their homes have disrupted daily life since utility work tied to a Google data center began, WXYZ-TV reports. ITC, an independent transmission company, is installing electrical infrastructure for the project near Haggerty Road and I-94, working 7 a.m.–7 p.m., six days a week through year’s end. Township officials say they’re monitoring ITC’s compliance with construction hours. Leischner previously opposed the project at township meetings. 📌 Source: WXYZ-TV

➡️ Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Michigan voters oppose data centers A WDIV/Detroit News poll finds that 64.3% of Michigan voters oppose data center construction in the state, versus 18.9% who are in support. When asked about a one-year moratorium on new data centers, 54.3% are in favor and 30.2% are opposed. Support for data centers rose to 41.9% if the facilities paid higher electricity rates to subsidize residential customers. The Glengariff Group conducted the 600-sample telephone survey Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2026, with a ±4% margin of error. 📌 Source: WDIV-TV

➡️ Saline Township data center operator posts 6-figure job listings Oracle has posted job openings for its $43-billion Saline Township data center for OpenAI, which is not expected to be completed until late 2027, Crain’s Detroit Business reports. Roles range from technicians earning $66,200 to senior directors earning up to $355,400. Oracle expects to create 450-plus jobs, though it’s unclear how many will belong to OpenAI. Google and Anthropic have yet to post jobs yet for their nearby projects, which still face regulatory hurdles in Van Buren and Lyon townships. 📌 Source: Crain’s Detroit Business