And we’ll show you two ways to help. Together, we can be a voice for change and protect Michigan’s land, air, water, public health, and democracy.
Data centers can require more than a million gallons of water daily and are predicted to account for 8% of national energy consumption by 2030. To meet increased energy demand, some states are constructing new natural gas power plants or keeping existing plants open longer – doubling down on fossil fuel dependence, threatening climate and clean energy goals, and leaving taxpayers on the hook to foot the bill.
Senate Bill 237 and House Bill 4906 would give big state tax breaks to “enterprise” data centers through 2050 (2065 if a facility is located on a brownfield or former power plant site). These bills raise serious concerns about our energy infrastructure, affordable water use, and the actual amount of jobs these facilities create.
Michigan LCV is advocating for common sense changes to the proposed data center bills to ensure we can meet our clean energy goals while protecting Michiganders’ health and pocketbooks.
In exchange for major state tax breaks, sensible legislation must require data centers to:
- Use at least 90% renewable energy
- Achieve credible energy and water efficiency certifications
- Protect residential energy and water ratepayers from significant rate hikes
- Utilize existing infrastructure or cover the costs of necessary upgrades
As lawmakers look to attract industry investment, we must ensure Michigan can benefit without jeopardizing ratepayers, our progress on climate action, and our clean energy future.
Send your lawmakers a message urging them to vote ‘NO’ on Senate Bill 237 and House Bill 4906 unless common sense clean energy and water conservation measures are included.