This is not progress. This is profit at our expense.

Water Risk

Large data centers can withdraw significant water for cooling and cause thermal discharges. Michigan law requires new or increased large-quantity withdrawals to be screened and, if needed, site-reviewed under EGLE’s Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool (Part 327). Local aquifers (glacial & Marshall bedrock) are connected in much of Livingston County, so heavy pumping can affect wells, streams, and lakes.

References: Michigan NREPA Part 327/328; EGLE Information Guide for Large Quantity Withdrawal Registration.

Electric Grid & Bills

Electric grid & bills. Data centers are extremely power-dense and can require major substation, line, and generation upgrades. Without strong protections, costs can shift to other customers. Michigan’s “enterprise data center” law bars special subsidized electricity rates that push costs onto residential customers—but local oversight is still essential to avoid hidden cost shifts and stranded assets.

References: 2024 Public Acts 181 & 207; MPSC proceedings and utility filings generally caution against cross-subsidization.

Taxes & Incentives

Michigan now offers broad sales and use tax exemptions for certified “enterprise data centers” on construction materials, servers, and equipment through 2050 (or 2065 on brownfields/former power plant sites). Projects need at least $250M capital investment and 30 new jobs at ≥150% of regional median wage, but the exemptions can still exceed local fiscal benefits—especially if local 50% property tax abatements are added. Communities must evaluate net fiscal impact, not headlines.

References: 2024 Public Acts 181 & 207; local abatements under PA 198/Commercial Rehab require local approval.

Land Use & Community Character

Hyperscale footprints, 24/7 noise (fans), diesel backup fleets, heavy truck traffic, and security fencing conflict with agricultural/residential areas and the County Master Plan’s goals around farmland, green infrastructure, and quality of life.

Reference: Livingston County Master Plan (2018) goals on natural resources, agriculture, and infrastructure alignment.

Financial Risk

Data centers have a limited life span of 15-20 years, with rare occasion of some still being utilized at 25 years. After long and disruptive construction periods, there are a few short years where additional tax revenue is experienced before the facilities reach obsolescence, especially compared to other industries. The distinct design of data center buildings makes repurposing them near impossible due their layout and the construction of new builds being preferred over retrofitting existing facilities within the tech industry. Abandoned data centers leave loss of tax revenue (even if smaller than originally idealized), blight that deters new business from investing in the area and concern for tax payers footing the bill for cleanup in their wake. The long term financial health of the township should not be put at risk for short term revenue promises with low accountability.

References: Equinix is Exiting Some Leased Data Centers in Major Markets - Rich Miller, 2021; Retrofitting vs New Buildings Regarding Data Centers in the AI Era - Raj Kanda, 2025; Data Center Lifespan Risk - Greg Fennewald, 2019; The Power of Policy: Business Closures in Rural Communities - Erin Ham and Nicole Sumers-Gabr 2023

What a Better Process Looks Like

Public-first: Early town halls led by the Township, recorded and posted, with Q&A.
Independent studies: Township-controlled, peer-reviewed, developer-funded.
Water guardrails: WWAT/EGLE approvals, thermal discharge limits, continuous metering, monthly public reporting, and strict triggers to reduce/stop withdrawals.
Energy guardrails: Proof of firm capacity, no special rates that shift costs, interconnection timelines, on-site noise modeling, backup generation restrictions, and emergency response plans.
Stronger site standards: Larger setbacks, verified noise caps at property lines, night lighting limits, traffic management, stormwater best practices, and screened façades.
Real community benefits: No approvals until agreements are public and enforceable (local hiring, training, infrastructure that locals actually use, funds for emergency services, and a decommissioning bond).

What You Can Do

Sign & share the moratorium petition.
Show up at Township & County meetings (speak during public comment).
Stay informed in our Facebook group: Stop the Data Centers – Livingston County, MI.
Volunteer for canvassing, research, or meeting notes.
Donate for printing, signs, and expert reviews.

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