Michigan Data Center Intel

Recent Michigan data center news

• Dec 18, 2025

  Calls for US Data Center Freeze Grow as Local Enthusiasm Melts

  Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a national moratorium on new data center construction, urging Congress to slow AI expansion and involve more people in decisions about AI’s future.

  • Main action and scope:Sen. Bernie Sanders publicly advocated a national moratorium on data center construction; more than 200 environmental organizations (via a letter) also called for a moratorium citing impacts on water resources, electricity consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions; Data Center Watch reports $64 billion in data center plans have been blocked or delayed by local activism in the last two years.
  • Background and additional details: Federal debate is split—Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Richard Blumenthal are investigating links between data center power usage and rising consumer bills and have sent letters to major hyperscalers (Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, CoreWeave, Digital Realty, Equinix); the Trump administration and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright have pushed for accelerated permitting and less state regulation; a Carnegie Mellon University study projects data center and crypto growth could raise average U.S. electricity costs ~8% by 2030 (with regional spikes, e.g., >25% in Virginia).
• Dec 18, 2025

  Milbank Strengthens Digital Infrastructure, Energy and Latin America Capabilities with Addition of Thomas Sines

  Milbank LLP has announced that Thomas Sines has joined its New York office as a partner in its Global Project, Energy and Infrastructure Finance Group.

  • Mr. Sines focuses on energy and infrastructure financings (project finance, debt capital markets, bank financings, corporate transactions) and has recently represented lenders in multi‑billion‑dollar data center financings across the United States, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as sponsors and creditors in large‑scale renewable and conventional power, transport, oil & gas and desalination projects.
  • His arrival follows the formal launch of Milbank’s Digital Infrastructure Practice Group; he previously was a partner at Paul Hastings’ Corporate Department, holds a J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. (magna cum laude) from Luther College, and will help expand Milbank’s Latin America, domestic energy and digital infrastructure practices from the New York office.
• Dec 17, 2025

  Michigan’s data center tax breaks: Will lawmakers succeed in repealing them?

  Bipartisan Michigan lawmakers Rep. Jim DeSana (R-Carleton) and Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) unveiled a three-bill package to repeal sales and use tax exemptions enacted last session that were designed to attract hyperscale data centers to Michigan.

  • Main announcement and scope: Rep. Jim DeSana and Rep. Dylan Wegela announced a three-bill package to repeal sales and use tax exemptions for hyperscale data centers during an anti-data center rally at the Capitol; the move responds to at least 14 proposed hyperscale projects statewide and public opposition, including calls for a statewide moratorium. Key project details: the proposed Stargate facility in Saline Township is planned as a $7 billion, 1.4-gigawatt development (OpenAI, Oracle, Related Digital named as backers); DTE Energy is seeking ex parte approval of a 19-year power contract for the site and says developers may terminate the project if power is not secured by Dec. 19; the Michigan Public Service Commission meeting is scheduled Dec. 18.

  • Background, process, and other details: Utilities DTE and Consumers Energy say they are in late-stage talks to secure up to 5 gigawatts of data-center capacity statewide; DTE claims the Saline deal would yield $300 million in annual savings for other customers; several local proposals (including a $1 billion Howell Township proposal) were withdrawn or shelved after local moratoria and pushback; environmental permits from EGLE (wetlands, diesel backup generators, stormwater) remain pending and could take several months to decide. Attorney General Dana Nessel and ratepayer groups have called for a contested case to allow deeper public review of the DTE filing.

• Dec 17, 2025

  What is a data center used for? Are they bad for the environment?

  Indianapolis Star explains what data centers are and why Hoosiers are concerned about AI data centers.

  • Main explanation & announcement: The article defines data centers and summarizes the current Indiana situation: more than 80 data centers in Indiana (Data Center Map, as of Dec. 16, 2025), with 35 in Marion County, 16 in Fort Wayne, 13 in South Bend, 8 in Gary, and at least 24 proposed projects (Citizens Action Coalition). It references specific projects including a Google proposal withdrawn in Franklin Township (Oct. 2025) and Meta’s 700,000-square-foot AI data center in Jeffersonville (Meta said the project would have more than 1,250 workers on site at peak construction and had promised 100 permanent jobs when opened).
  • Background & supporting details: The piece reports concerns from the Citizens Action Coalition about utility cost increases, air/climate pollution, intense water consumption, and noise pollution; cites an estimate that a single AI data center can use 1 to 5 million gallons of water per day for evaporative cooling; and notes the Midwest (IL, OH, KY, MI, IN) has 592 data centers planned or operational (Data Center Map).
• Dec 17, 2025

  Data center protest at Michigan Capitol aims to pressure regulators ahead of DTE Energy decision

  Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called for an in-depth review and a contested hearing of DTE Energy’s contracts for Oracle and OpenAI’s proposed $7 billion Saline Township data center.

  • Main action and demand:Dana Nessel publicly displayed redacted contracts and urged the Michigan Public Service Commission to deny DTE’s request for ex parte approval and instead open a contested hearing so ratepayer, environmental and business groups can submit testimony. Key facts: $7 billion project value, DTE says the project “will not increase the cost of service for other customers”, the data center customer can terminate the agreement if not approved by Dec. 19, and the MPSC meeting is scheduled 1-2 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2025.
  • Background, context and next steps: Concerns include energy and water demands, potential activation of the climate law’s “off ramp” for capacity shortfalls, and PFAS pollution risks raised by State Rep. Reggie Miller. Developer claims include hundreds of temporary construction jobs and tax benefits. Key regulatory actions and civic engagement details:
    • MPSC meeting: Dec. 18, 2025, 1-2 p.m., Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917 (in person or via videoconference). Contact: LARA-MPSC-commissioners@michigan.gov.
    • EGLE wetland permit hearing: Dec. 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. (virtual) for wetland/stream/floodplain impacts; registration link provided and phone access (855-758-1310, meeting ID 841 0513 8539 #).
    • Advocacy groups to follow: Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Citizens Utility Board of Michigan. Civic contact: connect@planetdetroit.org.
• Dec 16, 2025

  Southfield City Council greenlights divisive data center plan: ‘Too many unknowns’

  Metrobloks received Southfield City Council approval for a 109,683-square-foot data center on 12.19 acres that will require 100 megawatts of power and was approved by a 5-2 vote.

  • Project details and developer commitments: The site plan approval covers a 109,683-square-foot facility on 12.19 acres (east side of Inkster Road between 11 Mile Road and I-696) that will require 100 megawatts of power; the developer says the project will be built in two phases with an estimated total cost of $1.5 billion (the slide deck lists $500 million, a noted discrepancy). Metrobloks said it currently has funding for land and utility upgrades but not full capitalization and will borrow against a tenant contract once a tenant is confirmed; the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system consuming 10–20 gallons of water per day, and the developer expects ~35 permanent positions and estimated $400,000/year in property tax revenue (early estimate). The city placed conditions on approval including compliance with ordinances, minimal tree/soil removal, and inspection rights, and EGLE can enforce state environmental laws.

  • Community response, oversight, and background: The approval followed nearly six hours of public comment with majority opposition asking for a health impact study, community benefits agreement, and transparency; Councilmembers Charles Hicks and Ashanti Bland voted no (citing insufficient fact-based information and public health concerns from AI data centers referenced in the HBR article), while Coretta Houge supported the project saying the city must consider new technologies. Metrobloks (founded 2024) has not yet built a data center but cites executive experience from Amazon and Meta and lists Detroit as a strategic hub; it is targeting Indianapolis, Phoenix, Miami, and Paris for future development. Next Southfield City Council meeting noted: Jan. 5, 2026 at 6 p.m., Southfield City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road.

• Dec 16, 2025

  Ford scraps EV plans, shifts to hybrids, EREVs and low-cost models

  Ford Motor Co. announced a major shift in its electrification, vehicle lineup and stationary energy storage strategy on Monday.

  • Main announcement — strategic realignment and product plan: Ford is shifting away from pure EV focus toward hybrids, extended-range EVs and more affordable EVs, aiming to offer a hybrid or multi-energy powertrain for nearly every vehicle by 2030 and targeting ~50% of global sales to be hybrids/extended-range EVs/EVs by 2030 (up from 17% in 2025). The company will launch five new affordable vehicles by 2030 (four assembled in the U.S.) and put Model e on a path to profitability by 2029. Key production timelines: the first EV on the new Universal EV Platform — a fully connected midsize pickup — will be assembled at Louisville Assembly beginning in 2027; the Tennessee Truck Plant will produce all-new truck models beginning in 2029; the Ohio Assembly Plant will build a new gas and hybrid commercial van starting in 2029.

  • Background, implementation details and capital/operations actions: Ford will scale its stationary battery storage business, converting its Kentucky plant to manufacture 5 MWh+ DC container systems for customers including data centers and utilities, with first shipments in 2027 and 20 GWh annual capacity planned. The company expects to invest around $2 billion over the next two years to scale battery storage and produce smaller Amp-hour cells at BlueOval Battery Park Michigan. Ford expects about $19.5 billion in non-recurring costs tied to the strategy (majority in Q4) and ~$5.5 billion specifically related to canceled vehicle programs and plant retooling (majority paid in 2026, remainder in 2027). Ford also announced a partnership with Renault to launch two EU EVs (first expected early 2028) and plans to hire thousands to boost U.S. production, including pickups at BlueOval City.

• Dec 16, 2025

  Chairwoman McClain, Rep. Griffith Statements on House Passing Legislation to Ensure Reliable Energy

  The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Rep. Morgan Griffith’s H.R. 3632, the Power Plant Reliability Act, to keep critical power plants online and ensure reliable, affordable energy.

  • The bill aims to prevent premature retirement of baseload plants using natural gas, coal, and nuclear, which supporters say is necessary to avoid blackout threats and maintain reliable power for U.S. homes, factories, and communities.
  • House Republican leaders, including Chairwoman Lisa McClain, Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, Chairman Guthrie, and Chairwoman Foxx, frame the legislation as a response to President Biden’s and ‘Green New Deal’-style policies they characterize as an anti-energy regulatory agenda, emphasizing affordable and reliable American energy and lower costs for families; statement dated December 16, 2025, Washington.
• Dec 16, 2025

  Saline Township resident alleges data center settlement was improper: Township attorney says ‘everybody saw them vote’

  Kathryn Haushalter filed a motion to intervene seeking to void the consent judgment that allowed a planned $7 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center in Saline Township.

  • Main action: Haushalter filed to intervene and asks the court to throw out the consent judgment negotiated with Related Digital, alleging a violation of Michigan’s Open Meetings Act and that the township vote to settle was not held in public; Haushalter lives 256 yards from the planned site and is represented by attorney Robby Dube.
  • Background & settlement details: The township board previously voted 4-1 to deny rezoning for 575 acres; Related Digital sued in Washtenaw County Circuit Court and later settled. The settlement includes $4,000,000 for a farmland preservation trust fund, $2,000,000 for a community investment fund, $8,000,000 for area fire services, protections for water resources, a decommissioning fund, preservation of approximately 200 acres (with 47.5 acres of wetlands under conservation easement), a 55-decibel noise limit, and a commitment that site water will not be used for cooling (facility will use its own well and waste treatment). Sub-bullets for upcoming civic actions:
    • MPSC meeting: Dec. 18, 1-2 p.m., Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan (in person or via videoconference) to consider DTE filings related to the data center.
    • EGLE hearing: Dec. 18, 6 p.m., virtual hearing on wetland/stream/floodplain permit for the Saline data center (registration link provided in article).
• Dec 15, 2025

  Activists to rally in Lansing for statewide moratorium on new AI data centers

  Residents from across Michigan have announced a rally calling on state legislators to enact a statewide moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers.

  • Main announcement: Organizers scheduled a bipartisan rally on Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the state Capitol lawn, calling for a statewide moratorium on new AI data centers and demanding that approvals not be fast-tracked.

    • Date/Time: Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • Location: Michigan state Capitol lawn, Lansing
    • Agenda/Subject: Public rally to urge lawmakers to halt approvals, oppose secret deals, and request land and water protections for rural communities.

  • Background and additional details: Organizers demand no secret deals between utilities, developers, AI companies and governments (no NDAs or redacted planning documents), request slowed approval processes, and call for land and water protections and support for rural residents; invites indicate speakers from both political parties and community leaders. Contact for the article: Editor Jon King at info@michiganadvance.com.