Hosted by the Washtenaw County Democrats and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

As data centers rapidly expand across the country, states are facing urgent questions about energy demand, water use, utility costs, land use, and climate impact. Michigan is no exception. While data centers can bring investment and construction jobs, they also risk placing new burdens on residents, local communities, and public resources if strong protections are not put in place.

Join us for a timely conversation exploring what smart, community-centered data center regulation could look like in Michigan.

Drawing from policies adopted and debated in states across the country, this webinar will examine key questions facing Michigan lawmakers, regulators, and communities, including:

• What are the biggest concerns surrounding large-scale data center development?
• What protections already exist, and where are the policy gaps?
• How can Michigan protect ratepayers, local communities, water resources, and climate goals as demand for data infrastructure grows?
• Who benefits from data center expansion, and who bears the costs?

This discussion is designed to help attendees better understand the real-world impacts of hyperscale data center development and the policy choices Michigan faces moving forward.

Speakers include:

• Ben Poulson, Director of State Government Affairs, Michigan League of Conservation Voters
• Peter Sinclair, climate activist and videographer
• Amanda Robert, Network Director, Michigan Climate Action Network