“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.”