GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WTVB) – Michigan Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson announced her support for a statewide moratorium on new data centers.
Speaking during a community roundtable in Grand Rapids, Benson signaled her openness to a temporary pause on development as local pushback grows over the facilities’ massive infrastructure demands.
Additionally, she endorsed a newly introduced package of seven regulatory bills from Senate Democrats aimed at enforcing strict consumer and environmental safeguards. While acknowledging that the legislative proposals serve as a strong baseline, Benson argued that they do not go far enough to mitigate the long-term strains on local utilities and infrastructure.
To address these shortcomings, Benson proposed a more aggressive plan that includes a complete ban on data centers if they misuse or abuse Michigan’s vital fresh water resources. Her proposed platform would also mandate a statewide database to keep communities informed of incoming developers, as well as demand greater oversight from the Michigan Public Service Commission regarding energy rate hikes.
The stance highlights a pivotal debate in the 2026 governor’s race, where candidates are facing intense pressure from residents to implement rigid guardrails on tech infrastructure.
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