LANSING, Mich. — Members of the Michigan for Responsible Data Centers coalition responded to testimony presented to the House Oversight Committee on Corporate Subsidies and State Investments today, reminding lawmakers that Michigan has strong rules in place to ensure responsible development.
The coalition includes experts representing business, labor, engineering firms, the energy sector and others who have joined together recognizing that data centers are modern-day infrastructure that enable the services Michigan residents and businesses depend on every day.
In response to today’s hearing, coalition members issued the following statements
On the Need for Data Centers:
“Data centers are no longer optional infrastructure – they’re foundational to how modern economies grow, thrive and compete. Michigan has a real opportunity to attract this investment, but it requires a thoughtful, fact-based approach that welcomes growth while addressing community priorities,” said Michigan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jim Holcomb. “The focus now should be on building upon our state’s foundation – grounded in facts, not fear – so we get this right and remain competitive.”
On Energy Protections:
“The Michigan Public Service Commission has strong rules in place that ensure the costs of new large-scale energy users are not passed onto customers,” said Lauren Snyder, senior vice president and chief customer growth officer at Consumers Energy. “Any data center that comes to Michigan must pay in full for the electricity they use and the infrastructure required to serve them.”
On Michigan’s Data Center Incentive Program:
“Michigan lawmakers approved a data center incentive program that includes very intentional requirements that make Michigan a leader in responsible data center development. Before qualifying, companies must prove they power their facilities with 90% clean energy, earn green building certification, and connect to city water systems, said environmental engineer Jeff Jaros, CEO at NTH Consultants. “And while concerns over water and noise are important considerations, they can be addressed with quality design solutions. Modern data centers utilize closed-loop cooling systems that minimize water use and employ sound mitigation measures that ensure they are being a good neighbor in their community.”
On Economic Impact:
“Responsible data center development provides an opportunity to generate significant economic growth for Michigan,” said Tyler Theile, chief operating officer at Anderson Economic Group. “Our independent analysis demonstrates that a single data center could generate hundreds of millions to billions of dollars in net new economic output over its operational life, while supporting thousands of union-scale, benefits-eligible jobs — both during construction and long after the doors open.”
On Job Opportunities for Michigan Workers:
“Responsible data center development creates good-paying jobs for Michigan workers and strengthens the skilled trades pipeline for the women and men who build and maintain our state’s vital infrastructure. Building these facilities requires a wide range of skilled tradespeople and telecom specialists, all working union-scale, benefits-eligible careers. And when construction ends, the jobs don’t disappear. Data centers generate full-time technical roles and steady contract work for Michigan’s skilled workforce for years, even decades,” said Steve Claywell, Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. “Proposals to reject data centers outright would deny Michigan workers job opportunities that help our families prosper. We can make sure these projects move forward responsibly while embracing the opportunity they present to grow our economy.”
