SALINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A proposed data center powered by DTE Energy in Saline Township is stirring significant controversy among local residents, many of whom feel caught off guard by the project’s rapid progression. The plan involves a massive data center covering 250 acres, backed by major investors including billionaire Stephen Ross and technology leaders Oracle and OpenAI.
Residents gathered to protest outside DTE’s headquarters in Detroit, expressing their concerns and opposition to the initiative. “Oh, we were ran over by a truck,” remarked Tammie Bruneau, a resident of Saline Township. The strong community pushback is evident, with protesters chanting, “Data center tyranny ends with us.”
Opposition to the project is fueled by worries about the environmental impact, as citizens fear significant water consumption for cooling purposes. Wendy Albers, a resident from nearby Augusta Township, highlighted the issue, citing a projected usage of one million gallons of water per day for similar projects.
Chris Kobus, an engineering professor at Oakland University, recognizes the potential benefits of such developments, noting that Michigan risks falling behind nearby states like Ohio and Illinois, which are more open to multi-billion-dollar investments in technology infrastructure. He argues that Michigan’s abundant water resources could be effectively managed in a closed-loop system for cooling the data centers, similar to automotive cooling systems.
Amid the growing tension, calls for greater transparency and public input are being echoed by advocacy groups, including the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. Bruneau voiced her uncertainty regarding future actions, saying, “This isn’t the end of this for our little township, so what’s the next step? Because that’s the scariest part about this. We don’t even know.”
The Michigan Public Service Commission is set to make the final decision on the data center project. To facilitate public discussion, a virtual hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Residents can participate through Microsoft Teams or by phone, providing an avenue for community voices to be heard on DTE Electric Co.’s application for the project in Washtenaw County.
As stakeholders navigate this complex issue, both the potential benefits and concerns of the data center are contributing to an ongoing dialogue that could shape the future of the community and its environmental landscape.