July 16, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2026
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer Secures Six Company Commitments to Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge
Companies to be accountable for their own development and protect Michigan residents from energy costs, building on Michigan’s strong protections
LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that six artificial intelligence and data center companies have signed the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, the first state-level pledge in the nation. By signing this pledge, the companies agree to invest in the electric grid, use clean energy, hire Michiganders, safeguard our natural resources, and pay the full cost of data center construction and operation so Michigan residents do not pay a single penny.
“We’ve seen how data centers can go wrong in other states, which is why on my watch, we’ve ensured Michiganders never see a rate increase and can rely on some of the strongest environmental protections for people and communities,” said Gov. Whitmer. “The Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge builds on that work by ensuring data center companies are accountable for their own development and letting Michigan communities know exactly where data center companies stand. I’m calling on all data center companies to join the current signatories, and on the legislature to codify our strong guardrails in Michigan law. Let’s work together to grow Michigan’s economy responsibly and build a bright future for our state.”
The pledge outlines state laws, regulations, and orders from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that data center companies must follow. As part of the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, the governor is also calling on the legislature to codify protections that the MPSC put into place to further protect communities and working families.
In less than 24 hours since the release of the pledge, the following companies have signed:
To view the signed pledge, click here.
Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan
The Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan includes two key pillars. First, the governor’s call on members of the legislature to adopt the data center safeguards already put in place by the Michigan Public Service Commission into state law including:
Second, the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, a package of commitments by signees to create good-paying jobs and ensure companies pay for all their own costs, including water and energy, so Michiganders do not see any additional costs.
Both aspects of the Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan will hold data centers accountable for their development and cement Michigan’s leadership as the home to some of the strongest data center guardrails in the nation.
Existing State-Level Protections
The Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Action Plan builds on the strong guardrails Michigan has instituted to protect natural resources, maintain the electric grid, and ensure consumers don’t see rising energy costs due to data center development. These guardrails include:
Energy
In Michigan, residential rate payers will not see their costs go up due to data centers, or other commercial or industrial customers. State law requires utilities to serve each their customers’ needs with resources from their corresponding rate classification.
In other states, if a new large energy load, like a data center, enters the system without a corresponding increase in supply, residents can see their rate go up. Data centers must also comply with Michigan’s strong 100% clean energy standard that Governor Whitmer called for and signed into law in 2023.
On top of existing legal protections, the Michigan Public Service Commission requires data centers to sign longer minimum contract terms, ensuring they reliably cover costs to upgrade the grid; guarantee lines of credit and financial assurance with parent companies; pay termination and exit fees; and adhere to emergency reliability protections that force them to cut off power before other customers in emergencies to protect the grid.
Environmental Oversight
Michigan has a comprehensive set of laws to protect air, land, and water. These include Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) and the federal Clean Air Act. Data centers are subject to all these laws and the same requirements that apply to all large industrial facilities. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and enforcing permits.
Water Use
Water use and protection is also regulated under the NREPA. Large quantity industrial water users can access either groundwater or municipally owned water facilities. For groundwater, EGLE is legally prohibited from approving a withdrawal that would cause an adverse impact under Part 327 of the NREPA. If a proposed data center impacts wetlands, inland lakes, or streams, permits are required. Finally, EGLE regulates all waste and wastewater discharges to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
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