Michigan lawmakers are pushing back on DTE's request to state regulators to fast-track the approval process to begin construction on the data center in Saline Township.
Democratic 6th District Congresswoman Debbie Dingell is among several state lawmakers who have requested that the Michigan Public Service Commission keep the Saline Township data center approval process open to the public.
This counters DTE’s request to the Commission to hasten the process by skipping public hearings.
Dingell says the local community needs their opinion to be taken into account.
“The community deserves and must have a seat at the table, so you need a transparent process.”
Dingell says if construction for the facility is approved, it would be an economic boon for Michigan. She adds that approval should be predicated on ratepayers experiencing no increases caused by this project.
UPDATE - WEMU received this comment from DTE Monday morning.
"These customer contracts will not create a cost increase for our existing customers, so a contested case is not required by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The data center needs to start construction by the beginning of the year, so an accelerated pace is necessary. Given the sizable affordability benefits for our customers, as well as the economic impact the project will have, we think moving forward in this fashion makes the most sense."
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