Article courtesy of MIRS for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter
Seven in 10 Michigan adults oppose building a data center in their community, according to a Michigan State University survey that found opposition among Democrats, Republicans and independents.
The State of the State Survey found 52% strongly opposed a local data center and 18% somewhat opposed one. Eleven percent expressed support, while 19% neither supported nor opposed construction. Opposition was highest among Democrats at 76%, followed by independents at 72% and Republicans at 58%.
The findings come as communities across Michigan weigh proposed data center projects and lawmakers debate what conditions should accompany development. The survey suggests residents distinguish between allowing projects and subsidizing them: 46% opposed state financial incentives for data centers, while 35% supported incentives if operators met certain requirements. Another 5% supported incentives without conditions, while 13% said they did not know.
The most widely shared concern was the potential effect on household electric bills. Seventy-seven percent expected data centers to raise their home energy costs, including 55% who expected them to rise “a lot.” Seventy-one percent were at least somewhat concerned that a data center in their community would attract additional large developments, such as solar energy facilities.
Respondents were also more likely to see data centers as harmful than helpful to Michigan’s environment and economy. Seventy-one percent said they would be bad for the environment, including 51% who said “mostly bad.” Fifty-nine percent said they would be bad for the economy.
Residents favored a local role in deciding where projects go. Eighty-three percent said local governments should have at least some say in permitting data centers, including 52% who said they should have “a lot” of say.
The findings are from the summer 2026 State of the State Survey, conducted by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research using telephone interviews with a stratified random sample of Michigan adults. The report presents responses from approximately 1,000 people; it does not specify a margin of error.
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