Approval process must involve public input, require DTE & Big Tech to show their work

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters (Michigan LCV) issued the following statement today calling on the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to conduct a full, transparent and “contested case” review of the proposed 1.4 gigawatt data center in Saline Township ahead of the commission’s Dec. 3 virtual community “hearing,” warning that the project should not be pushed forward on a rushed timeline with limited public engagement or independent analysis.

“Michigan can be a leader in responsible data center development, but any project of this scale must pass muster through a contested case proceeding with full public input and expert review,” said Nick Occhipinti, Senior Policy Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Private developers and DTE Energy need to prove that everyday Michiganders won’t be forced to subsidize corporate investments in their energy bills, and projects like this won’t hinder or block our transition to the clean energy future that we’ve set together as a state.”

Michigan LCV is calling on the MPSC to reject the “rocket-docket” ex-parte approach, prioritize transparency and allow meaningful public and expert participation. With the massive energy and water demands this project requires, Michigan must proceed carefully to safeguard our water and deliver tangible benefits to local communities where they are built.

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