Rural Residents Continue Their Battle Following Approval of DTE Power Contracts for OpenAI Data Center

In Saline Township, MI, state regulators have rapidly approved DTE Energy’s plan for Michigan’s first hyperscale data center, intended to support AI and cloud computing. Despite strong opposition from local residents and Michigan’s attorney general, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) granted conditional approval for the 2.2-million-square-foot facility, branded “Stargate,” to serve OpenAI and Oracle. Local residents, disturbed by the potential disruption to their rural community, are rallying against the project, arguing it poses environmental and social risks. Saline resident Kathryn Haushalter expressed discontent with the MPSC’s procedure and comparison of the project to established businesses. The Rural Michigan Defense Fund has also been established to support communities facing similar developments. Proponents argue the center offers significant economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, supports the project, citing national security and competitiveness concerns in the global tech landscape.

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