(LANSING) - Michigan State Representative Jennifer Wortz has unveiled a plan that would temporarily halt the construction of data centers in the state.
House Bills 5594, 5595 and 5596 would halt the construction of new data centers in the State of Michigan until April 1, 2027. The moratorium will be put in place to give local communities the ability to assess the ramifications of these projects before moving forward, ensuring that concerned community members can thoroughly identify and discuss the potential issues and challenges.
Wortz, a Republican from Quincy, says many rural communities just feel like they're being invaded. Endless solar panels, wind farms, battery storage facilities and now data centers are being proposed, often with little to no local input and oversight.
She says data centers come with a lot of unique questions. Between the land being cleared for developments, the demand for energy they will add to the grid, and the tremendous water usage, these projects could cost communities more than they are worth.
The bills would prohibit centers from receiving state or local permits or commencing operations until April 1, 2027.
The bills were referred to the House Committee on Government Operations for consideration.