Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Hosts Town Hall on Data Center Transparency in Howell

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined state and local leaders to address growing concerns about data center development in Michigan during a town hall in Howell on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The "Demystifying Data Centers" event at Cleary University brought together residents, experts, and state officials to discuss what is fact and fiction surrounding these massive technology projects that are coming to communities across the state.

With over 70 data centers already operating in Michigan, the pace of new proposals has accelerated significantly, creating concerns among residents about electricity rates, environmental impact, and community disruption.

Nessel emphasized her role as the state's top consumer advocate, noting that 1.4 gigawatts of power demand from data centers is "the equivalent of adding one million homes to the electrical grid overnight."

"It is my job, by statute, as the state's top consumer advocate, to do my best to protect our state and its ratepayers through the transition," Nessel said.

She expressed frustration that the process for approving data centers is not working properly. "These companies promise to generate tax revenue that can be used to support local schools or other public works, but they'll only pay those taxes in the event that they're actually turning a profit," Nessel said.

Nessel also noted that not all companies are transparent with their agreements. Some contract documents are heavily redacted, making it difficult for the public to understand what they're getting into.

"It's really not well monitored at all. These companies are on the honor system," Nessel said.

The concern over costs is a recurring theme at these community meetings. Nessel warned residents about the financial implications if data centers go over budget.

"If this is going to mean that your rates are going to double, triple or quadruple in the next few years, you ought to know about it," Nessel said.

Fowlerville resident Chloe Reighare attended the town hall to voice her concerns about the environmental impact of data centers.

"It's impossible not to have data centers, but I do believe that if the people in charge start listening and put in regulations to help lower the environmental impact or get rid of the bad environmental impacts, it could be helpful," Reighare said.

Reighare also shared her personal concern about what these developments mean for her community's future.

"I think that if the data center goes in, I will move, and that would be really sad because my whole entire family has lived here, grown up here," Reighare said.

The discussion highlighted a growing tension between the economic promise of data centers and the practical concerns of communities hosting them. While companies argue that these projects bring construction jobs and long-term financial benefits, residents worry about the immediate and lasting impacts on their neighborhoods.

Most of Michigan's existing 70 data centers are not being used for artificial intelligence, according to Nessel. They are powering other systems and do not have the capacity for AI applications.

State legislators and local officials are now considering whether new legislation could help address the transparency and accountability issues that residents are raising at these community meetings.

The town hall underscored that data centers remain a touchy topic for many Michigan communities, with residents fighting against proposed projects in their areas while trying to understand what these developments mean for the future of their communities.