FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
October 20, 2026
Contact: Levi Teitel, levi@progressmichigan.org
NEW POLL: Majority of Michiganders want better data center regulation
Michigan workers also concerned about impacts of AI on job availability
MICHIGAN — In recent polling conducted by Progress Michigan in concert with Public Policy Polling, four out of five Michiganders reported that they want lawmakers to do more to regulate data center growth. Seventy-six percent are also at least somewhat concerned that AI could reduce the number of good-paying jobs available to Michigan workers.
“While AI data center developers try to lure Michiganders into believing they’ll benefit from these facilities, Michigan workers are rightly concerned that the rapid deployment of AI in workplaces could harm their livelihoods, and they’re looking for leadership on these issues,” said Justin Mendoza, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Michiganders are aware that current laws regulating AI data centers don’t go far enough to ensure these developers won’t pollute our air, harm water quality, and raise our energy bills. We need stronger laws that guarantee Big Tech companies assume all of the risks and costs associated with their data centers, ensure that communities benefit from their presence, and require them to be transparent about their energy and water use and job creation.”
How important is it to you that Michigan lawmakers do more to regulate data center growth: very important, somewhat important, or not important at all?
How concerned are you that AI could reduce the number of good-paying jobs available to Michigan workers: very concerned, somewhat concerned, or not concerned at all?
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