The announcement lands amid growing national scrutiny over the power demands and land-use impacts of hyperscale data center projects, and it raises questions about the role of economic development agencies in advancing proposals that local governments have not yet reviewed. Delhi Township enacted a 12-month moratorium on data centers in April 2026, seeking interim time to evaluate the benefits and risks such projects pose to the community.
LEAP president and CEO Bob Trezise framed the proposal as a community-first approach to development. "Delhi Township had a vision for the property before we sought a development partner," he said. "We chose Lighthouse because they bring deep renewable energy expertise and a commitment to making development work for the people who live here. That combination matters. Smart growth means attracting investment that strengthens our economy while protecting the natural resources and way of life that make this community home."
Lighthouse Sustainability, founded by Gary Dorris, who previously founded energy analytics and consulting firm Ascend Analytics, claims a development pipeline exceeding 2GW, with the Holt project as its only listed development. Dorris said the company was founded to bring cleaner, more affordable power expertise to the data center sector. "We are not here to make a pronouncement, but to invite Holt residents to help shape a shared vision guided by community priorities, grounded in evidence, and designed to create lasting value," he said.
LEAP holds an option to purchase the property and has secured a $6.5 million state grant for site readiness work. Both organizations acknowledged that no application has been filed and no end user has been identified, stating they will respect the moratorium and focus on community engagement for possible future development.
However, Delhi Township officials reacted sharply, saying they learned of the proposal through LEAP's public announcement and had not been involved in any discussions. The township board said it is ending its membership with LEAP effective immediately. "The Township is learning about the LEAP/Lighthouse Sustainability announcement at the same time as members of the media," said Township Manager Tracy Miller. "Township board members have not received any kind of land use application or proposal from a data center developer. To be very clear, this topic has not been discussed at Township Board meetings."
The township board has scheduled a special meeting later this week to consider a resolution opposing any data center development in the township, and the resolution calls on Lighthouse to halt its proposal if it attracts local opposition. The dispute underscores the mounting friction between economic development ambitions and local governance as data center demand continues to surge across the United States.