Business Leaders Tout Data Centers as Economic Opportunity at Mackinac Conference
Former officials and business leaders pitched data centers as economic drivers during the Mackinac Policy Conference, despite environmental opposition.
MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN — Business leaders and former government officials discussed data centers as economic opportunities for Michigan communities during the Mackinac Policy Conference on May 27, despite environmental concerns about the facilities.
Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and 47th governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm, Google’s head of data center market development and policy Liz Schwab, and John Rakolta III, president of building design and construction company Walbridge, addressed the debate over data center development during the state’s business gathering.
Rakolta described the facilities as beneficial for communities, highlighting property tax revenue as a key reason for local governments to approve these projects. The facilities support online services and face increasing demand for artificial intelligence development.
Clean Energy Transition Benefits
Granholm argued that large-scale data centers could drive a transition to clean energy. She said the facilities, if developed properly, might help reduce energy rates for customers by covering the cost of infrastructure and upgrades to the electrical grid.
The former energy secretary also questioned why Michigan couldn’t leverage its automotive engineering expertise to gain an advantage in manufacturing components for data centers. The state is known for auto manufacturing but could expand its industrial capabilities, according to Granholm.
Growing Opposition to Facilities
Opposition to data centers has increased in recent years as more facilities seek locations in Michigan. Critics often cite concerns about rising electricity bills and depleted water resources when opposing new data center proposals.
The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer Glenn Stevens Jr. also participated in the panel discussion, which addressed various political and economic issues facing the state.
The annual Mackinac Policy Conference gathers business leaders from throughout Michigan to discuss solutions to the state’s challenges. This year’s event included debates on multiple topics affecting the state’s economic future.
