Northern Michigan Archives - Michigan United

How to Regulate AI in Michigan: The Physical Reality

Part 1 in a Series

Given the AI industry’s influence in the White House, it is highly unlikely we’ll see tech regulation from the federal side. Congress voted 99-1 to strike language from the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that would have preempted state authority to regulate AI. As a result, states remain the primary laboratories for governing the technology.

In Michigan, the proposed gigawatt-scale hyperscale data center in Saline Township is an early test of local control. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026. Although the MPSC has approved the project, many questions remain unanswered. Public pressure for transparency has already altered timelines for three other data center projects across the state.

This presentation is the first in a series designed to lay out what AI regulation actually means: how regulatory authority works, how data centers work, their context and their impact on our communities.

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Community Leaders and Environmental Groups Raise Urgent Concerns About Cryptomining and AI Data Centers Across Michigan

Brizy #22195

Community leaders and environmental advocates across Northern Michigan convened for a series of hybrid public briefings to warn residents of the growing risks posed by the rapid expansion of cryptomining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Michigan.

The briefings, organized by the recently formed Northern Michigan Alliance for Responsible Development coalition, were designed to inform and empower residents of Northern Michigan’s First Congressional District.

They come amid a growing surge of AI data centers and cryptomining operations across the state, raising concerns among residents and communities. The briefings explored how these industries have an impact on electricity rates, water resources, climate goals, and rural communities, providing residents with tools to engage local and state lawmakers.

“Cryptomining and data centers can have real, lasting impacts on energy costs, local infrastructure and quality of life in rural communities,” said Kalvin Carter, Director of Up North Advocacy. “Protecting our towns and natural areas means working together, sharing information, listening to one another and making sure local voices are centered before big outside interests move in. The Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan deserve development that respects our people and our shared environments.”

Speakers included Kalvin Carter of Up North Advocacy, Jackie Sawicky of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining, Shawn Merritt of the Clark Township Planning Commission, Tim Minotas of the Michigan Sierra Club, and Susie Schlehuber, Superintendent of Lake Superior Academy, the latter of who recently filed a lawsuit against Odessa Partners LLC in response to noise disruptions caused by a nearby Bitcoin mining facility.

Jackie Sawicki with the National Coalition Against Crypto, discussing how Texas shifted the cost of powering bitcoin mines to taxpayers.

Suzy Shlezelberg, the Superintendent of Lake Superior Academy, asks the obvious when it comes to bitcoin mine site selection and approval at the bureaucratic and political levels.

Sean Merritt of the Clark Township (MI) Planning Commission on what he’s done so far to pass as data center ordinance.

Watch the Full Briefing

If you’re interested, we’ve got the full briefing right here.

TAP HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

“Michigan is at a critical moment when it comes to cryptomining and large-scale data center development,” said former Michigan Representative Jenn Hill. “If communities are not fully informed at the outset, they can be left dealing with higher energy costs, reduced water supply, and setbacks to climate progress long after the developers have moved on, leaving residents to bear the consequences.”

“What communities in Michigan are experiencing reflects a broader national trend as cryptomining and large-scale data centers rapidly expand across the country,” said Jackie Sawicky of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining. “From small towns to major regions, these projects are often pushed forward with limited transparency and little regard for local impacts. The public deserves rules that put people first, not a regulatory vacuum that benefits developers at everyone else’s expense.”

“Sault Ste. Marie, our community, is dealing in real time with the impacts of a Bitcoin mining operation that was allowed to move forward without adequate oversight,” said Susie Schlehuber, Superintendent of Lake Superior Academy. “The constant noise has forced us to change how we teach our students, including moving classes indoors despite our strong focus on outdoor and environmental education. No school or community should be forced to sacrifice learning environments or quality of life because of poorly regulated industrial development.”

“Michigan’s climate and energy policies were designed to protect communities and keep costs affordable for families, not to subsidize highly energy-intensive industries with minimal public benefit,” said Tim Minotas, Legislative and Political Director at Michigan Sierra Club. “As cryptomining and AI data center proposals expand, lawmakers and regulators must ensure these projects are held to strong standards so they do not drive up electricity costs, undermine climate goals, or shift the burden onto residents who never asked for them.”

The briefing was a production of the Northern Alliance for Responsible Development.

Participating community leaders and environmental organizations include:

Western Upper Peninsula: Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy (Hub of Michigan United Action) (Primary host), Up North Advocacy, Progress Michigan, The Keweenaw Mutual Aid Collective, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action, Clean Water Action, Progress Michigan
Central Upper Peninsula: Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, Progress Michigan, Rise UP Michigan, Michigan United Action
Eastern Upper Peninsula: Up North Advocacy (Primary Host), Progress Michigan, Clean Water Action, Michigan Climate Action Network, Sierra Club, Michigan United Action