Data center moratorium

Walked through the Deep Green/BWL controversy as a series of errors and broken promises, arguing a moratorium is needed to prevent repeats.

Said the Deep Green push was a coordinated strategy despite known public backlash, and urged Lansing to adopt real regulations and reject exploitation of its resources.

Argued AI brings real benefits and warned that excluding data centers would deny Lansing investment, tax revenue, and economic diversification.

Criticized AI billionaires and power interests, said the Deep Green process got too close to approval, and backed the moratorium to guard against industry influence.

Plumbers and pipe fitters union rep who argued a moratorium handcuffs the city and could drive the 'perfect data center' to Grand Rapids, Detroit, or Jackson instead.

Warned the AI bubble may end in mass surveillance bailouts and urged continued action despite Deep Green's exit.

Cited the DeWitt Township data center noise lawsuit, glycol disposal and water concerns, and asked for strong regulations and community benefit agreements.

East Side resident who wants clean air, water, and nature prioritized over data centers, and asked council members if they'd want to live next to one.

Argued data centers would accelerate climate change and urged strict guidelines so severe that no data center could ever qualify.

Supported the pause but warned the data center definition is vague and could inadvertently cover internet infrastructure; asked council to bring in unlikely stakeholders.

Urged council to 'dust off' the Design Lansing 2012 and 2022 Sustainability Action Plans, noting the Deep Green center alone would have raised city emissions 5%.

Spoke from love of the city's environment and children, warning data centers would pollute water, raise noise, and enable mass surveillance.

Economic development and labor background; said data centers repel the young professionals Lansing is trying to attract and suggested local union labor commitments instead.

Clean Water Action's water justice manager urged a unanimous yes, calling the moratorium a minimum bar for protecting health, water, and soil.

Virtual commenter citing a Brookings study on jobs, damage in other data center cities, and the importance of not breaking residents' trust.

Thanked council for the moratorium, invoked DDT history to argue for careful evaluation, and said residents have clearly rejected data centers.

Strongly supported the data center moratorium, saying the public wants rules in place before any data center is approved.

Wanted urgency on the data center moratorium and the ModPod project, warned winter could arrive without housing in place, and endorsed a housing-first approach.

He supported the data center moratorium citing water and energy impacts, and asked the council to press the state for homelessness resources.