data centers

The August primary ballot for Washtenaw County races is set. It’s filled with millage renewals, city council races and a vote on a data center. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Large-scale data centers are increasing in number. They can use a lot of land, water and energy. In the meantime, wind and solar farms are part of the renewable energy future. Where to put them, and how to responsibly deal with land use issues, is difficult. These decisions can have a particular impact on our rural communities and the people who live there. Are we prepared for that future? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak, wanted to know about potential benefits and consequences. They talked it over with Dr. Sarah Mills, the Director of the University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute's Center for EmPowering Communities.

The land purchase deal south of Ann Arbor that was planned to be a data center has fallen through. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Environmental concerns continue to surround data centers, and there are a number either approved or planned in Washtenaw County. Supporters of these centers contend there are ways to ensure environmental health while improving the local economy. We’ve explored environmental concerns on WEMU’s "Issues of the Environment." This time around, we’ll get a business perspective on it. Phil Santer is Chief Operating Officer for Ann Arbor SPARK, and he joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the economics of these data centers.

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority has adopted a 12-month moratorium on water and sewer services for data centers and similar facilities. The time will be used for a due diligence study on their effects. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority Board of Commissioners meets on Wednesday. It’s expected to vote on a moratorium of water and sewer services for data centers and computing facilities. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ypsilanti Township has passed a resolution asking the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) to impose a moratorium that would directly affect the proposed U-M/Los Alamos Computing Facility. It appears YCUA may be willing to oblige. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is working with communities in the southwest part of the county to find ways to conserve and protect land in their area. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

When the Michigan State House returns next week, there will be a pair of bills regarding data centers for lawmakers to consider. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Gas prices are skyrocketing; there is also raging debate over data centers and the shift to a more renewable energy future is being set back. Jennifer Granholm has helped shape energy policy as the former Governor of Michigan and as the U.S. Energy Secretary in the Biden Administration. She shared her perspective in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak.