Reporting
Developer announces $7 billion data hyperscale data center in Saline Township after settlement
Tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, and developer Related Digital are set to transform Saline Township with a $7 billion hyperscale data center project, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
Michigan utility customers need protection from data center costs, demonstrators say
The chair of Michigan’s utility regulator warns “lumpier” data center power demand growth could stick other customers with costs.
Ypsilanti City Council calls for halt to University of Michigan data center project
Ypsilanti council opposes University of Michigan data center with resolution that draws attention to potential environmental impacts and Los Alamos’ nuclear weapons work.
Saline Township settles with data center developer: ‘Lesser of two evils’
Facing a lawsuit from landowners and data center developer, Saline Township opts for a settlement that earmarks funding for the community.
Consumers Energy case sheds light on how Michigan data centers could hike your power bill
Michigan regulators are considering a Consumers Energy case that could indicate how the state plans to protect residential customers from potential price hikes caused by power-hungry data centers.
$1 billion data center plan hits roadblock in Howell Township
Planning commission vote follows a seven-hour public meeting and outpouring of resident concern over impacts to water resources and energy prices.
Attorneys sketch out Saline Township’s options in data center fight
Threat of monetary damages adds to risk for rural township fighting data center.
Washtenaw communities fight data center developments: ‘Not soft touches’
Data center proposals in Washtenaw County force local officials to weigh in on massive developments that could bring significant local tax revenue — and transform rural landscapes.
Data center developer takes Saline Township to court over rezoning decision
Saline Township board’s denial of rezoning of farmland for data center project comes after outpouring of resident concerns over noise, traffic, and environmental impact.
Saline Township denies data center rezoning request: ‘Self-imposed environmental catastrophe’
Saline Township officials reject rezoning plan for a data center on 575 acres of farmland. Residents voiced fears over water use, pollution, and energy demands, while supporters highlighted potential tax revenue and community funding.
Can 957 signatures halt a $1 billion data center in Augusta Township?
Residents of Augusta Township rally to submit 957 signatures, aim to let voters decide on the rezoning of land for a data center.
What we’re reading: Household electricity bills jump 10% under Trump administration
A new report highlights the impact of Trump’s anti-renewable policies, with U.S. household energy costs rising 10% since his inauguration. Michigan faces a $1 billion challenge to expand EV chargers, crucial for future demand. In public health, Kent County reports Michigan’s first 2025 West Nile virus death.
University of Michigan looks at alternative site for $1.2 billion data center as Ypsilanti Township pushes back
Ypsilanti Township officials say they distrust the university, adopt resolution to relocate the facility. But the proposed new location sits next to the environmentally overburdened West Willow neighborhood.
Data centers are coming to the Great Lakes — and they could drain local water supplies
As data centers expand, their water demands could double or even quadruple by 2028, threatening local water supplies, including the vital Great Lakes region.
Ballot drive kicks off to put Washtenaw County data center decision in hands of voters
Augusta Township residents are gathering signatures to challenge a rezoning decision for a planned $1 billion data center. Concerns over rising utility costs, environmental impact, and grid strain drive their efforts.
University of Michigan’s ‘big bad data center’ faces opposition from top Ypsilanti Township official
Supervisor Brenda Stumbo says University of Michigan misled her about the size of the project and voiced concerns about noise, vibration, and possible environmental impacts.
Ypsilanti Township residents speak out against University of Michigan’s ‘biggest, baddest’ data center
In Ypsilanti Township, residents are sounding alarms over a $1.2 billion data center project by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory, citing fears of rising utility costs, environmental harm, and the advancement of surveillance technologies.