ANN HARBOR, Mich. (WNDU) – The data center conversation continues across the country, including Michigan.
This week, there were big breakthroughs in the Oracle and OpenAI data center near Ann Arbor. More people said they want this data center rush to slow down.
In the Midwest, Illinois leads the way with 228 operating data centers, Ohio has 209, Indiana has 122, Michigan has 75, and Wisconsin has 53 data centers.
Governor celebrates groundbreaking
On Monday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stood next to CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman at a $16 bill data center groundbreaking in Saline Township, near Ann Arbor.
“The Barn will be one of the most advanced AI infrastructure projects in the United States and brings tens of billions of dollars to the state of Michigan,” Whitmer said.
Whitmer has been promoting data centers for its positive economic impact for years.
Senator proposes pause
Michigan Sen. Jim Runestad is proposing a year-long moratorium on all data center projects in the state.
When asked if she would pause data center development in the state, Whitmer said no; however, she welcomes more strict rules.
Local officials seek community input
Similar sentiments to Runestad have been expressed across Michiana.
In Benton Harbor, Mayor Pro Tem Shaquille Turner is backing his statement and wants more time to listen to residents.
“How can you say you want me to vote for you, but you don’t listen to me? You don’t come back down to my level, and you won’t moan with me. You won’t suffer with me. You have now reached the statue: You have forgotten about me. And I think that’s where the frustration comes in on our leadership side. Even local. From local back up to the governor’s office, to the White House,” Turner said.
Last month, Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad said there is no room for a data center in the city, but he’s interested in supplying water for a nearby project.
A common cry across the country from residents has been asking for town halls, informational meetings and not a rush to break ground on more data centers.
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