New Developments

Republican U.S. Senate nominee Mike Rogers on Thursday said he now backed a statewide moratorium on new data centers. While Rogers said the pause would allow the state to develop a comprehensive strategy before approving additional projects, his altered stance followed disclosures by The Lever that he holds millions of dollars in AI-related investments. Rogers had previously supported policies to speed data center development.

The American Prospect reported that U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) was positioning himself as an opponent of data centers despite voting for 2025’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided tax incentives benefiting companies building data centers. In a campaign ad, Barrett is now emphasizing local control, while Democratic challenger Will Lawrence has made opposition to data centers a central issue in the 7th Congressional District race.

WXYZ Channel 7 reports that Ypsilanti Township has approved a six-month moratorium on large electric utility structures as officials assess the potential impact of the University of Michigan’s planned supercomputing facility. Although U-M has described the facility as a research computing center rather than a traditional data center, the moratorium addresses the substantial electrical infrastructure needed to support a project of its size. Township leaders say the pause will give them time to review regulations and prepare for the potential power needs of the facility.

 

Updates

Mason City Council unanimously approved a new communications plan aimed at keeping residents informed about the potential development of data centers. WILX News 10 reports the “Mason Connect” initiative will include a Sept. 14 town hall and neighborhood meetings where residents can receive updates and raise questions or concerns. City officials said the effort is intended to provide greater transparency and improve communication with the community.

Genoa Township has extended its moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities for another six months as officials work to finalize zoning regulations. WHMI’s Jessica Mathews reports that the extension will give the township time to complete a noise study and determine how proposed restrictions can be enforced. Township officials said the pause is intended to ensure new regulations adequately protect residents before additional projects move forward.

 

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