Republicans · Oracle · Datacenter Dynamics
Michigan senator proposes one-year state-wide moratorium on data centers
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A senator in Michigan has proposed a one-year state-wide moratorium on data centers.
Key facts
- The Saline Township project was confirmed in October 2025, with the site expected to offer 1GW of capacity and cost around $10bn to develop
- SB1018, introduced on Thursday by Republican state senator Jim Runestad alongside two other bills relating to data center zoning ( SB1019 ) and utilities ( SB1020 ), would prohibit local governments
- Runestad is referring to a launch ceremony for the Oracle/OpenAI Stargate campus in Saline Township which was attended by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on June 1
- The text of the bill is virtually identical to HB5594, which was introduced on February 26 by a group of Michigan senators including fellow Republican Jennifer Wortz
Summary
SB1018, introduced on Thursday by Republican state senator Jim Runestad alongside two other bills relating to data center zoning ( SB1019 ) and utilities ( SB1020 ), would prohibit local governments from authorizing applications to build or operate data centers until April 1, 2027. The text of the bill is virtually identical to HB5594, which was introduced on February 26 by a group of Michigan senators including fellow Republican Jennifer Wortz. A statement issued by Senator Runestad emphasizes that this legislation will not permanently ban data centers in the state and will instead institute a pause “until further information can be obtained.” “We’re currently operating under a process that is poorly understood, and these developments could potentially have major negative consequences beyond what we’re already seeing,” Runestad said.