Michigan Senate Democrats Propose Bills to Regulate Data Center Water and Energy Usage
In response to opposition against data center projects in Michigan, Senators Rosemary Bayer, Sue Shink, and Erika Geiss have introduced three bills aimed at regulating water and energy usage by these facilities. Senate Bill 761 would prohibit entities withdrawing over 2,000,000 gallons of water per day from obtaining water withdrawal permits.
Senate Bill 762 mandates the Michigan Public Service Commission to publish annual reports on data centers' energy and water usage. Senate Bill 763 prevents water utilities from transferring infrastructure costs related to data centers to residential customers. The initiative, which has bipartisan support including cosponsor Senator Jon Bumstead, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment for consideration.
