Contact: Nora Naughton, nora.naughton@sierraclub.org, 248-345-1456
Lansing – As Michiganders continue to wait for action on widespread data center development, the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter is launching a new public accountability tool for state lawmakers and candidates called the Data Center Position Tracker.
This tool, crowdsourced with the help of grassroots activists, asks lawmakers and candidates to go on the record with their stances on three key legislative policy debates happening right now related to hyperscale data center development in Michigan.
Our tracker asks:
- Will you vote for a temporary moratorium if it is put up for a vote?
- Will you vote for permanent regulations to protect our water, energy grid, transparency, community benefits agreements, and require union labor, if put up for a vote?
- Will you vote for data center tax incentive repeal, if put up for a vote?
Each question offers only three specific responses: Yes, No, or Maybe. Respondents also have the option to explain their answers in the form. You can find the running list of responses on our Data Center Position Tracker webpage.
“Sierra Club decided it was time for full transparency from current decision-makers and incoming ones,” said Marta Johnson, Political and Legislative Organizer for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “For too long now, much of the discussion around AI data centers in Michigan has been shrouded in secrecy. This tool is meant to shine a light on where our leaders stand and drive pressure for the legislative solutions our communities so desperately need.”
Hyperscale data center proposals have prompted growing debate across Michigan and the country over their potential effects on water resources, electricity demand, utility bills, local communities, and the use of tax incentives.
“This is not a left-or-right issue. Communities across Michigan are asking how data center development will affect their water, their electricity bills, and their quality of life,” said Tim Minotas, Legislative and Political Director for the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “Regardless of party, Michiganders deserve transparency about these projects and clear answers from the people seeking to represent them. The tracker gives the public a way to see where lawmakers and candidates stand on the policy questions that could shape Michigan's approach to data centers.”
“Clean Water Action is proud to have partnered with Sierra Club on this position tracking tool. As Michigan's environmental organization with the strongest field organizing team, we talk with hundreds of Michiganders every day about the issues they’re most concerned with.” said Emily Woodcock, Michigan Director at Clean Water Action. “Affordability and AI data centers are at the top of the list for so many people. For those unlucky enough to have a data center proposed in their community, they see the added layer of local governments struggling to function in ways that will protect communities from corporate development as an additional concern. Data center developments have a jaw-dropping history of harming groundwater, polluting air with diesel emissions and harmful noise levels, not to mention accelerating utility rate hikes.”
“Big Tech companies don’t get to come into Michigan, take over our land, and drain our water so they can make a profit at the expense of our communities,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “If they want to do business here, then they are going to adhere to the strictest standards anywhere in the nation. That’s why I’ve led the effort to put transparency, accountability, and community benefit at the center of Michigan’s approach to this issue.”
“Hyper Scale Data Centers are swallowing up huge tracts of Michigan farmland,” said Rep. Jim DeSana (R-Carleton). “The problems with tonal noise, water usage and power consumption far outweigh any benefit that a community might receive. They don’t create many jobs and I oppose the tax breaks that we have granted to them.”
The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter will continue updating the tracker as responses are received. The public can visit the webpage to review responses and learn more about lawmakers' and candidates' stated positions on data center development.