OpenAI and Oracle are set to develop a $7 billion data center in Saline Township, near the University of Michigan, aiming to enhance artificial intelligence infrastructure with 4.5 gigawatts of power. This facility is part of a larger trend in Michigan’s data center landscape, which includes a controversial center in Ypsilanti associated with the University and Los Alamos National Laboratory. As concerns over cost of living spikes and environmental impacts grow, stakeholders emphasize the necessity of public dialogue. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the project’s economic benefits, projecting over 2,500 construction jobs and 450 permanent positions. However, residents express apprehensions about transparency, housing affordability, and potential increases in utility bills due to the center’s energy consumption. Effective public participation is deemed essential for residents to understand implications fully. Advocates urge community engagement to ensure local interests are represented as the project progresses, emphasizing the importance of accountability from local governments.
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