Howell Residents Voice Concerns Over Data Center Costs and Accountability

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel hosts town hall to address transparency issues around data center developments.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:38am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a data center server rack, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the complex network of cables, circuit boards, and cooling systems, conceptually representing the technological complexity and potential vulnerabilities of modern data infrastructure.As data center developments continue to raise concerns over costs and accountability, this glowing visualization of the complex inner workings of these facilities underscores the need for greater transparency and oversight.Howell Today

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and state and local officials held a town hall meeting in Howell, Michigan to address residents' concerns over the costs, accountability, and potential data breaches associated with data center developments in their community. Residents raised questions about the transparency of agreements between data center companies and local governments, as well as who would be held responsible if projects go over budget.

Why it matters

Data centers are a contentious issue in many communities across Michigan, with residents often voicing concerns about the impact on energy and water consumption, as well as a lack of oversight and transparency around the deals struck between local governments and large tech companies. This town hall meeting highlights the growing tensions between data center developers and the communities they want to build in.

The details

During the town hall, residents expressed concerns about the potential for data centers to disrupt or be taken offline intentionally, as well as the lack of monitoring and transparency around the agreements between data center companies and local governments. Attorney General Nessel acknowledged that the process of building data centers is flawed, with some companies not being fully transparent about the terms of their deals. She also raised the issue of who would be held accountable if data center projects go over budget, potentially leading to higher utility rates for residents.

  • The town hall meeting took place on Monday, March 31, 2026 in Howell, Michigan.

The players

Dana Nessel

The Michigan Attorney General who hosted the town hall meeting to address residents' concerns about data center developments.

Howell-area residents

Local community members who attended the town hall meeting and raised questions about the costs, accountability, and potential data breaches associated with data center projects in their area.

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What they’re saying

“What do you think would happen if someone intentionally try to disrupt or take this data center offline?”

— Howell-area resident

“It's really not well monitored at all. These companies are on the honor system.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

“If this is going to mean that your rates are going to double, triple or quadruple in the next few years, you ought to know about it.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

What’s next

The Attorney General's office said they will continue to monitor data center developments across the state and work to improve transparency and accountability around these projects.

The takeaway

This town hall meeting highlights the growing tensions between data center developers and the communities they want to build in, with residents demanding more transparency and oversight around the costs and potential impacts of these projects. The Attorney General's office acknowledged the flaws in the current process and signaled a willingness to push for legislative changes to address these concerns.