Michigan Governor Backs Major AI Data Center, Citing Jobs and Competitive Edge December 4, 2025 Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally endorsed the development of a large-scale data center project in Saline Township, positioning the state as a future hub for advanced computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The move underscores the growing strategic importance of data centers for regional economies and national technological leadership. In a public comment submitted to the Michigan Public Services Commission (MPSC), Governor Whitmer expressed strong support for the proposed "OpenAI Stargate" data center. She framed the project not merely as a real estate development but as a critical piece of national infrastructure essential for U.S. competitiveness. Whitmer argued that the construction of such facilities is inevitable, and the key question for Michigan is whether it can host them in a way that brings substantial local benefits while adhering to high environmental standards. "The question isn’t whether they will be built, but rather: Can Michigan benefit from these jobs and build data centers in a smarter way while upholding our strong environmental laws to protect our precious natural resources?" Whitmer stated. "We can set an example for the rest of the nation on how to build these facilities the right way and grow our economy at the same time." The Governor's endorsement followed what she described as months of rigorous scrutiny by her administration. Officials coordinated across state agencies to vet commitments from the involved companies, including utility DTE and technology firm Oracle. The review confirmed that the facility's substantial power demand would be met by existing DTE generation capacity, with Oracle funding necessary grid upgrades to prevent costs from being passed to Michigan ratepayers. Whitmer emphasized that "every claim made by the companies was independently verified" by environmental regulators and utility experts. The project promises significant economic impact, including the creation of 2,500 union construction jobs and over 450 permanent high-skill positions on-site, with an estimated 1,500 additional jobs supported in the surrounding community. Whitmer highlighted that the investment would leverage Michigan's talent pipeline from universities like the University of Michigan and strengthen the state's position in the fast-growing AI sector. From an environmental standpoint, the administration secured commitments that the facility will operate as a closed-loop water system, using no more water than a typical office building, and will preserve hundreds of acres of surrounding farmland and wetlands. Governor Whitmer concluded her comments with a note of urgency, warning that Michigan is in a global race for technological investment. She noted that competitors, including China and other U.S. states, are moving quickly to secure similar projects, often with less regulatory oversight. "This is a matter of national security and economic competitiveness," she wrote, framing the project as an opportunity for Michigan to anchor a vital part of the nation's future infrastructure. Source: thesuntimesnews
Michigan Governor Backs Major AI Data Center, Citing Jobs and Competitive Edge
