Michigan Proposal to Attract Data Centers Garners Criticism

The state legislature is poised to pass a law that would bring more data centers to the state, but critics say the move would threaten the state’s climate goals.

1 minute read

June 4, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Data center with Google sign in front of black fence in The Dalles, Oregon.

A Google data center in The Dalles, Oregon. | Lambtron, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Critics of a proposed Michigan state bill aimed at attracting energy-guzzling data centers to the state say it amounts to the state backtracking on its climate and decarbonization goals.

As Tom Perkins explains in The Guardian, the massive energy draw required by data centers would likely trigger an “offramp” clause in climate legislation passed last year that would allow fossil fuel-powered plants to continue operating. “That would put an end to Michigan’s climate legislation that requires 100% renewable energy by 2040, and dramatically increase electric rates for residential customers, critics say.” In addition to electricity, data centers also consume massive amounts of water, up to 5 million gallons daily for evaporative cooling systems that critics say could be replaced with more efficient methods.

“Michigan isn’t alone, as data centers are quickly emerging as a serious threat to the nation’s climate goals. Tech companies use them to store servers and networking equipment that process the world’s digital traffic, and artificial intelligence is driving a boom,” Perkins adds. While some cities and states are wooing the companies for economic development, other places are considering bans in highly walkable commercial areas such as Atlanta’s Beltline.

Monday, June 3, 2024 in The Guardian

Single-family homes in a suburban neighborhood in Florida.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power

The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

June 16, 2024 - The Guardian

Multistory apartment building under construction.

New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing

Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.

June 10, 2024 - Nooga Today

Aerial view of intersection in New York City with yellow cabs and zebra crosswalks.

Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths

Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.

June 13, 2024 - Todd Litman

Brick high-rise apartment buildings in New York City

Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply

New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.

June 18 - University of Kansas

Couple on one side of desk with banker on other side looking at paperwork.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?

Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

June 18 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rendering of Glory Park in Lewisville, Texas.

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas

The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.

June 18 - Lewisville Leader

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.